The summer heat in South Louisiana is nothing new for Saints fans. But what’s different this year is the unmistakable feeling of change. The New Orleans Saints officially opened training camp today at their facility on Airline Drive, ushering in a bold new chapter under first-year head coach Kellen Moore. With a revamped staff, a wide-open quarterback battle, and a roster in transition, the 2025 season is shaping up to be the beginning of something entirely new for the Black and Gold.
Kellen Moore arrives in New Orleans with a reputation as one of the NFL’s brightest young offensive minds. After a record-setting college career at Boise State and stints as offensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Chargers, and most recently the Philadelphia Eagles—where he helped guide the team to a Super Bowl title—Moore was hired in February to replace Dennis Allen. Moore’s rise through the coaching ranks has been rapid, and now, at just 36 years old, he inherits a franchise looking to find its footing after several disappointing seasons post-Drew Brees.
One of Moore’s first challenges is finding the team’s next starting quarterback. Last year’s signal-caller, Derek Carr, announced his retirement in April after suffering lingering shoulder issues that worsened during the offseason. That surprise departure left the Saints with a QB room full of question marks. Enter Tyler Shough, the rookie out of Texas Tech who was selected in the second round of this year’s NFL Draft. Shough signed his four-year rookie deal earlier this week—fully guaranteed—and will be given every opportunity to claim the starting job. Standing in his way are two others: Spencer Rattler, the flashy but inconsistent second-year pro out of South Carolina; Jake Haener, a 2023 draft pick from Fresno State who’s shown glimpses of potential but has yet to see significant game action. Hunter Dekkers, a developmental project from Iowa State and Iowa Western brought in for depth and competition.
(Saints Rookie Quarterback Tyler Shough drops back and takes a pass during the rookie minicamp in May.)
Moore has made it clear that this will be an open battle throughout camp and the preseason. The coaching staff—which includes new offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier, a longtime quarterback tutor himself—plans to rotate reps evenly early on, focusing on decision-making, processing speed, and leadership presence. Mistakes are expected. What they want to see is growth. “We’re not here to crown anyone in July,” Moore said during his opening camp press conference. “We’re here to build a quarterback, and we’re here to build a team around him.”
That team will look different in many ways. Fan favorite Tyrann Mathieu stunned Saints camp by announcing his retirement today. And the offensive line will feature several new faces, including rookie offensive tackle Kelvin Banks, a first round pick out of Texas. Still, the Saints retain some star power in key spots—Chris Olave leads a talented receiver group, Alvin Kamara returns for his eighth season in the backfield, and Demario Davis and Cam Jordan anchor a defense in transition.
(Cornerback and fan favorite Tyrann Mathieu during the 2024 season. He announced his sudden retirement today after 14 seasons in the NFL)
The Saints’ 2025 schedule reflects their recent struggles—no prime-time games, and only two national broadcasts all season. That’s a far cry from the spotlight this team enjoyed during the Brees-Payton glory years. But internally, that’s just more motivation.
Training camp will remain in Metairie through early August before the Saints head west for a week of practices in Irvine, California before preseason matchup with the Chargers on August 20. The team will return to New Orleans for a preseason game with the Jaguars on August 16 and with the Broncos on August 23. The Saints will also debut new alternate “Gold Rush” jerseys this season, in a move they announced this week to signify a new start.
What unfolds over the next few weeks will define not only who starts at quarterback but the tone of the entire season. It’s a roster filled with youth, competition, and untapped potential. And while there may be growing pains, there’s also a unique opportunity: the chance to build a new foundation from the ground up.
About The Author
