For years after Drew Brees hung up his cleats, the New Orleans Saints found themselves in a quarterback quandary. Derek Carr's stint didn't pan out, leaving the Saints back at the drawing board. Enter Tyler Shough, their 2025 second-round pick, who has shown flashes of brilliance and is set to take the reins as the starter in 2026.
With Shough stepping up, the Saints face a compelling decision regarding Spencer Rattler. According to ESPN, Rattler is not just a viable trade target; there's a notable 70% chance he could be moved this offseason.
Rattler, still on his rookie contract with two years remaining, presents an attractive option for teams in need of a dependable backup quarterback. While big names like Kyler Murray, Tua Tagovailoa, and Malik Willis are generating buzz, Rattler might just be the most intriguing quarterback prospect available.
As ESPN's Ben Solak points out, the Saints might be hesitant to part with a young talent like Rattler, especially one who showed marked improvement in his sophomore year. However, teams on the hunt for a developmental passer could find Rattler to be the ideal candidate this spring.
At 25, Rattler still has two years of team control at a bargain price under $3 million. His performance last season was solid, boasting a 67.7% completion rate, 1,586 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and five interceptions over eight starts. While not known for his mobility, he did contribute 167 rushing yards on 31 attempts, showing he can move when necessary.
Drafted 150th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, Rattler might not be the flashiest name this offseason, but his growth and affordable contract make him a valuable asset. Teams like the Miami Dolphins, tight on cap space, or the Los Angeles Rams, looking to groom a successor for Matthew Stafford, could be potential suitors.
With ESPN forecasting a 70% likelihood of a trade, one of the highest among top trade candidates, Saints fans should stay tuned for developments. Spencer Rattler's future is one to watch as the offseason unfolds.