Tyler Shough’s agent shares his true feelings after Saints name Spencer Rattler their starting QB for Week 1

The Saints have their starter. How will Shough and co. react now?

Adam Holt — NFL News Writer
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Aug 23, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough (6) runs in for a touchdown against Denver Broncos linebacker Andrew Farmer (53) during the fourth quarter at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

The decision to begin the predictions for the New Orleans Saints has officially been revealed. The Saints will start Spencer Rattler at quarterback in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals. He’s their starter, according to head coach Kellen Moore. Moore applauded both quarterbacks’ performances and determination this offseason, but the short-term starter from last season gets the nod.

For rookie Tyler Shough, what does the future hold for him? It does not sound like Shough’s agent is particularly worried about this pick from Moore as of now.

Shough’s agent agrees with decision by Kellen Moore

Just moments after Kellen Moore named Spencer Rattler the team’s starter, Erik Burkhardt went to Twitter to reveal his thoughts about the decision. Burkhardt is Tyler Shough’s agent, but he was not upset by Moore’s choice. Instead, he says that he likes the plan by New Orleans, giving the rookie more time before he hits the field in the regular season.

We don’t often see agents or anyone in the business of professional sports accept a decision they probably didn’t hope for with grace. Burkhardt did that, though. Rattler provides a more epxeirneced baseline for the Saints to begin the season, and they won’t rush Shough onto the field simply because he is a rookie who they took in round two.

“I’m a big believer in developing quarterbacks, developing them the right way.” — Kellen Moore

Shough revealed that the quarterbacks did not know when the decision would come to fruition, but they found out today in individual meetings. There is a full team meeting later today to discuss the choice and move forward as a unit.

Regardless, the Saints have made their choice. The debates and consistent pitting of Rattler and Shough can be put on pause for now. If Rattler struggles, it is fair to expect that Shough could get a chance at some point. Moore isn’t interest in rushing to that option, though. Only time will tell how the QB position unfolds for a full regular season slate in New Orleans this year, though.

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