The New Orleans Saints' 53-man roster is set, even with some tinkering expected over the final few days heading into the regular season.
There were a few interesting decisions, among them the choice to retain three quarterbacks, including Spencer Rattler and Zach Wilson behind starter Tyler Shough. With starters not seeing the field in the preseason, Rattler started against the Jaguars and Cowboys while Wilson started against the Rams. Head coach Kellen Moore was asked about the decision on Monday.
“I'd say they earned it. Those three earned it," Moore said, when asked if the plan was always to carry three QBs on the roster. "Not every team carries three on the active roster and all three of those guys earned the opportunity to be on the 53. … We’ve got three really good QBs.”
Brought to you by TRANESOUTH: It's hard to stop a Tranewww.audacy.comBoth players did have their share of nice moments in the preseason, as well as one clunker. Rattler struggled to get untracked in the opener vs the Jaguars, but was much more efficient against the Rams, despite the Saints being held off the scoreboard on three red zone drives. He led three scoring drives in the finale vs the Cowboys, including a 9-yard TD run.
Rattler's final preseason line: 30-44 (68.2%), 262 yards, INT, fumble; 7 carries, 30 yards, TD; 3 sacks (-23 yards)
Wilson, meanwhile came out hot. The No. 2 overall pick from the 2021 draft led a pair of scoring drives against the Jaguars including a long, two-minute drill that generated a short field goal before halftime. The performance seemed to add fuel to what a backup QB conversation that had little juice prior to the preseason games. The Saints opted to give Wilson the start against the Rams, but the offense generated only four first downs in an uneven effort. He came off the bench again in the finale and led a pair of scoring drives, including the drive for a go-ahead field goal in the final minutes.
Wilson's final preseason line: 26-40 (65%), 293 yards, INT, TD; 5 carries, 18 yards (3 sacks, -29 yards)
The numbers were close. Both players accounted for a touchdown and at least one ugly turnover. Both players were sacked three times. Rattler completed a higher percentage of his passes and generated more first downs and red zone trips, but Wilson accounted for more yardage. Both players are still on the younger side for their positions. Rattler is 25 as he enters his third NFL season, while Wilson is 27 as he enters Year 6. Both players have double-digit starts in the NFL (Ratter with 14, Wilson with 33) could potentially represent trade chips down the line, depending on how QB situations develop across the league.
The results would tell you that a decision could go either way as far as who lands the QB2 job, though the reps in camp would lean Rattler's way. Moore declined to name that player when given an opportunity on Monday, but did indicate that decision would be made in the near future. Whoever doesn't land the role would likely be in the "emergency third QB" slot on gamedays.
“We’ll work through it the next few days," he said, "but both of these guys are 2s in the NFL, so we’re fortunate.”
The Saints are scheduled to open the regular season on Sept. 13 at Ford Field against the Detroit Lions.
