As we gear up for the start of the 2025 NFL season, we’re launching a new series where we are ranking every position group in the NFC South. First up: the quarterbacks, the most important position in the game. Today, we’re breaking down each team’s projected QB1 for this upcoming season (plus their challengers) and ranking them from worst to first. How do the New Orleans Saints‘ young guns stack up?
At the moment, the NFC South is arguably one of the weakest quarterback divisions in the league, but with the potential for some growth. With several young signal-callers still developing, the group could become far more competitive over the next few seasons–if a few of them find their footing.
In New Orleans, the post-Derek Carr era has officially begun following the veteran’s retirement earlier this offseason. That leaves the Saints with an open quarterback competition, where second-year passer Spencer Rattler and rookie Tyler Shough are both in the mix to take over the starting role. Their development heading into this season will almost certainly play a major role in shaping the future of the position in the NFC South.
With that in mind, let’s dive into our rankings for this upcoming season:
6. Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints
Shough enters his rookie year in New Orleans with a real opportunity to earn the starting job. A physically gifted passer with prototypical size and arm strength, who’s impressed early in camp. Under the guidance of new head coach Kellen Moore, Shough’s development could accelerate quickly. If he wins the job and delivers a solid rookie season, don’t be surprised to see him climb up the division’s QB rankings by year’s end.
5. Spencer Rattler, New Orleans Saints
Spencer Rattler’s arrival this summer has been nothing short of impressive. The former South Carolina standout is making a strong case to be the Week 1 starter, showcasing the arm talent and decisiveness that once made him a top prospect. As he competes closely with Tyler Shough for the starting role, Rattler also stands to benefit from Kellen Moore’s quarterback-friendly system. If he continues to build on this early momentum, his stock could rise quickly across the league.
It was a rough first couple of seasons for the former No. 1 overall pick, who struggled behind a porous offensive line, as well as an unstable coaching situation. However, Young showed signs of life late last season, flashing great accuracy and poise that made him a top draft selection a few years ago. With a much-improved supporting cast, this season will be crucial in determining whether he can take the next step forward in his development.
Kirk Cousins still deserves recognition as one of the top quarterbacks in our league just a couple of years ago. Despite his current role in Atlanta behind Michael Penix Jr., Cousins has a proven track record with multiple Pro Bowls, consistent production, and playoff appearances. If given the chance elsewhere, he could still start for several teams in need of a steady, experienced passer.
2. Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons surprised many last year by selecting Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick, despite signing veteran Kirk Cousins in free agency. After handing Penix the starting job late in the season, Atlanta has now fully committed to the former Washington Husky as the face of their franchise. With a full offseason to prepare as the starter, Penix will have every opportunity to make an impact in 2025 and prove that the front office made the right call.
To this point, Baker Mayfield has been the most productive and consistent quarterback in the NFC South over the past few seasons. He led the Buccaneers to a playoff win in 2023 and has kept the team competitive ever since his arrival. While he may not have the upside of some of the younger quarterbacks in the division, his experience, leadership, and steady play give him the highest floor–earning him the top QB1 spot in the NFC South heading into 2025.