The New Orleans Saints have officially named third-year quarterback Jake Haener as their starter for the upcoming 2025 NFL season. The decision comes after a fiercely contested offseason quarterback battle, in which Haener, a 2023 fourth-round pick, ultimately edged out rookie Tyler Shough, the team’s highly-touted second-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The announcement, made this morning by Head Coach Kellen Moore, marks a significant philosophical shift for the Saints, who had been expected by many to fast-track Shough, a 25-year-old signal-caller with extensive collegiate experience, into the starting role following Derek Carr’s retirement due to injury earlier this year. Shough was the third quarterback taken in the 2025 draft, at No. 40 overall, suggesting a considerable investment and belief in his potential as the franchise’s future.
“This was not an easy decision,” Coach Moore stated in a press conference, acknowledging the intense competition. “Both Jake and Tyler displayed tremendous dedication and progress throughout OTAs and minicamp. However, Jake’s understanding of our system, his command in the huddle, and his overall consistency gave him the edge at this point. We believe he gives us the best chance to win now.”
Haener’s journey to the starting role has been anything but conventional. Drafted in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Fresno State, he spent his rookie season primarily on the practice squad. In 2024, as the backup behind Derek Carr, he saw limited action, appearing in eight games and making one start. In that lone start, a Week 15 loss to the Washington Commanders, he completed just 4 of 10 passes for 49 yards and an interception before being benched at halftime. His career NFL stats stand at 18 completions on 39 attempts (46.2%) for 226 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception.
Despite these modest professional numbers, Haener apparently impressed the coaching staff with his diligence and grasp of Moore’s offensive scheme. He had a strong collegiate career at Fresno State, displaying accuracy and leadership, throwing for over 9,000 yards and 68 touchdowns.
The decision to bypass Shough, who just turned 26 and spent seven years in college at Oregon, Texas Tech, and Louisville, has sparked considerable debate among the fanbase and analysts alike. Shough’s extensive college career included a strong 2024 season at Louisville, where he threw for 3,195 yards and 23 touchdowns. Many believed his maturity and experience at the collegiate level made him the more “NFL-ready” option. His high draft capital also signaled the organization’s prior intent to build around him.
“It’s a head-scratcher,” commented local sports radio host Mark Benson. “You invest a second-round pick in a guy you clearly believed in, and then you bench him before he even gets a real shot in training camp? What message does that send?”
Others, however, are advocating for patience. “Haener knows the playbook better, he’s been in the building longer,” offered former Saints offensive lineman Zach Strief. “This isn’t about giving up on Shough; it’s about putting the best player out there to start the season. The NFL is a meritocracy, and clearly, Jake earned it in the coaches’ eyes.”
The pressure on Haener will be immense. The Saints are coming off a disappointing 5-12 season in 2024, and the fan base is desperate for a return to relevance. While Haener’s progression behind the scenes has been lauded by the coaching staff, his brief regular-season appearances have not yet instilled widespread confidence. He also recently suffered a minor oblique strain during OTAs, though he is expected to be fully ready for training camp.
For Shough, this is undoubtedly a setback, but not necessarily a career-ender. He will now have the opportunity to learn the professional game at a slower pace, observing from the sidelines and preparing for his eventual opportunity. His unique college journey, marked by multiple transfers and injuries, has already prepared him for adversity.
The Saints’ quarterback room is now a young one, with Haener (26), Shough (25 in September), and Spencer Rattler (24), a 2024 fifth-round pick who saw action as a rookie in 2024, comprising the depth chart. The future of the franchise rests heavily on the development of these unproven talents.
As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on New Orleans. Jake Haener has been given the keys to the Saints’ offense, but the shadow of the highly-drafted rookie looms large, and the performance of both quarterbacks will be scrutinized intensely as the Saints look to navigate a critical season without a veteran presence under center for the first time in years.
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