When the New Orleans Saints decided to bench Spencer Rattler midway through the 2025 season, there was a lot of buzz around whether this was the right move, given Rattler's potential. Fast forward to today, and the conversation has shifted: Should the Saints consider trading Rattler, or keep him as a backup to Tyler Shough, who took over in Week 9?
The decision might hinge on whether another team makes the Saints an offer they can't refuse.
Drafted in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of South Carolina, Rattler has seen more action than most picks at his level. Despite guiding a banged-up offense filled with backups, he managed to play in seven games, starting six of them as a rookie. His 70.4 passer rating and 22 sacks might not jump off the page, but Rattler showed glimpses of his potential.
After Derek Carr’s retirement in 2025, Rattler won the starting job in training camp. Early in the season, he demonstrated decisive play, largely avoiding the mistakes that marred his rookie year. The wins didn’t pile up, but Rattler kept the Saints competitive against top NFL teams.
Rattler’s stats improved across the board from Year 1 to Year 2, with increases in touchdown percentage, passing success rate, and passer rating, along with decreases in interception and sack percentages.
Wide receiver Chris Olave has been vocal about Rattler’s abilities, stating, “Spencer’s a great quarterback - I don’t believe he’s a backup quarterback in this league.” Olave believes Rattler deserves another shot as a starter, saying, “I don’t feel like there’s 32 quarterbacks better than him.”
However, Shough proved to be an upgrade in 2025, securing his spot as the starter for 2026. So, should the Saints capitalize on Rattler’s rising stock, or keep him for his value as a reliable backup?
Quarterbacks with potential are always valuable trade assets. Just look at Sam Howell, Kenny Pickett, and Joe Milton.
Howell, a fifth-round pick, has been traded three times, each time improving the draft position for the team trading him away. Pickett, a former first-rounder, has also been traded multiple times.
Milton, drafted a round after Rattler, was traded to the Cowboys for a fifth-round pick despite limited playing time.
If another team sees Rattler as a potential starter, a trade could fetch a fourth-round pick or better, enhancing the Saints' initial investment. But this would require a team willing to part with valuable assets for Rattler’s potential.
While Rattler holds trade value, he’s also cost-effective for the Saints, counting just $1.2 million against the 2026 salary cap and $1.3 million in 2027. He offers depth at quarterback and familiarity with coach Kellen Moore’s system, which might be more valuable than an early Day 3 draft pick. The Saints have a decision to make, and it’s not an easy one.