March 5, 2026, 5:55 a.m. CT
Free agency in the NFL officially begins next week. The New Orleans Saints found their quarterback of the future in Tyler Shough, a second round choice in last year’s draft. Shough had a magnificent season after replacing Spencer Rattler at mid-season. By all indications, the Saints have their franchise quarterback and will begin building their offense around his talents.
Does this mean that New Orleans will not be involved in the quarterback hunt this offseason?
Even though he proved he wasn’t the long-term answer as starter, Spencer Rattler showed improvement in his second season. He knows the system and Saints coach Kellen Moore seems comfortable with him as the backup. That would put New Orleans out of this offseason’s quarterback scramble. Unless…Rattler becomes part of the scramble as a trade target by another team. There have been rumors of such, though at this point unfounded.
If the Saints have any interest in moving Spencer Rattler in a trade, they’ll need a quarterback. It won’t be one to compete for the starting role. Rather, someone to provide backup insurance. Here are the pending free agent quarterbacks that could fill that role.
Free agent quarterbacksKenny Pickett (age 28)Easton Stick (31)Gardner Minshew (30)Teddy Bridgewater (33)Carson Wentz (33)Tyrod Taylor (37)Marcus Mariota (32)Case Keenum (38)Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.
Jimmy Garoppolo, Kyler Murray, Malik Willis, and the soap operas that are Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers will be available this offseason also. They are not on this list because they will not be pursued by the Saints under virtually any circumstances. Garoppolo, Murray, Willis (for some reason), Wilson, and Rodgers are likely only going to be signed as starters, even as bridge starters.
None of these quarterbacks, including Tua Tagovailoa and Kirk Cousins if released, should generate much excitement. However, there are a few that the Saints may be interested in because of their veteran experience and potential ability to be a mentor to Shough.
Pickett and Stick both played for Moore when he was the offensive coordinator for the Eagles and Chargers, respectively. Wentz and Mariota are each former high draft choices who have had moderate success as starters and have settled into backup roles. Bridgewater is a fan favorite who would be an excellent mentor for Shough. Minshew, Taylor, and Keenum have been backups and temporary starters in several systems.
If the Saints have no interest in trading Spencer Rattler, it decreases the chance that they sign a veteran backup, but doesn’t necessarily eliminate the possibility. Trading Rattler almost certainly means that New Orleans will add another quarterback, with the high likelihood that it’s a veteran. If the Saints do sign one of these signal callers, it is only with the idea of veteran insurance and as a mentor to Shough, their quarterback of the future.