Spencer Rattler’s Future Beyond New Orleans: Five Teams That Could Give Him a Fresh Start
Spencer Rattler’s rookie season with the New Orleans Saints didn’t go as planned. He opened the year as the starter but was eventually benched in favor of fellow rookie Tyler Shough midway through the campaign. It was a tough transition for the former college standout, and while the numbers weren’t eye-popping, there’s still reason to believe Rattler’s story in the NFL is far from finished.
Let’s be clear: Rattler’s 2025 stat line - 1,586 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and five interceptions - doesn’t scream franchise quarterback. And his 1-7 record as a starter?
Not what you want. But context matters.
He faced five playoff-bound teams in those eight starts, and the Saints' early-season struggles weren’t solely on his shoulders. The supporting cast had its own share of issues, and the offense as a whole lacked rhythm and identity.
Still, the writing is on the wall in New Orleans. With Shough taking over and showing flashes, the Saints appear ready to move in a different direction.
That opens the door for a potential trade - one that could benefit both sides. Rattler gets a fresh start, and the Saints get some much-needed draft capital.
And make no mistake, there are teams out there that could use a young, motivated quarterback with upside.
Here are five NFL teams that make sense as potential landing spots for Rattler - not necessarily as an immediate starter, but as a player who could compete and develop in the right environment.
New York Jets: A Quarterback Room in Flux
Quarterback instability has been the theme in New York. The Justin Fields experiment didn’t pan out, Brady Cook hasn’t shown enough to inspire confidence, and Tyrod Taylor, while reliable, is nearing the end of his career. The Jets were expected to draft Oregon’s Dante Moore with the No. 2 overall pick, but Moore’s decision to return to college has thrown a wrench into that plan.
Enter Rattler. He’s not a guaranteed fix, but he brings more upside than the current options and could compete for the starting job in 2026.
With a strong defense and some weapons on offense, the Jets don’t need a superstar - just someone who can protect the ball and make plays when it counts. Rattler could be that guy, especially with a full offseason to learn the system and earn trust in the locker room.
Arizona Cardinals: A Homecoming and a Fresh Start
Kyler Murray’s future in Arizona is murky at best. The Cardinals still have veteran Jacoby Brissett under contract for another year, but if they’re eyeing a reset, Rattler could be a low-risk, high-upside option. He’d likely enter a competition with Brissett, and while the veteran has the edge in experience, Rattler brings more long-term potential.
The added bonus? Rattler would be returning to his home state.
Sometimes a familiar setting can help a young quarterback settle in and find his footing. Arizona isn’t in win-now mode, which means they can afford to give Rattler time to develop - something he didn’t have much of in New Orleans.
Pittsburgh Steelers: An Open Competition Awaits
With Aaron Rodgers likely heading into retirement, the Steelers are staring at a wide-open quarterback room. Mason Rudolph and rookie Will Howard are currently in the mix, but neither has locked down the job. That opens the door for someone like Rattler to come in and compete.
Rattler’s arm talent and mobility would fit well in Pittsburgh’s evolving offense. He wouldn’t be handed the job, but he’d have a real shot to earn it.
And in a city that values grit and growth, Rattler’s underdog narrative might resonate. The Steelers are known for developing talent - this could be a great match.
Minnesota Vikings: Depth Behind a Fragile Starter
The Vikings came close to a playoff berth in 2025, and a big part of what held them back was instability at quarterback. First-round pick JJ McCarthy showed flashes but also dealt with injuries and inconsistency. Carson Wentz is a free agent, and Max Brosmer doesn’t project as a long-term solution.
Rattler wouldn’t be expected to start immediately in Minnesota, but he’d be a strong candidate for the No. 2 role. And given McCarthy’s injury history, there’s a real possibility Rattler could see the field. He’d be in a quarterback-friendly system with playmakers around him - the kind of environment that could help him take the next step in his development.
Miami Dolphins: A Wide-Open Race in South Beach
Tua Tagovailoa was demoted to emergency quarterback status by season’s end, and all signs point to him being off the roster in 2026. Rookie Quinn Ewers is expected to take over as the starter, but the job isn’t set in stone. There’s room for competition - and Rattler could absolutely be part of that conversation.
Miami’s offense is built for speed and creativity, and Rattler’s skill set could mesh well with that approach. He’d need to earn his spot, but the opportunity is there. In a league where quarterback depth is more important than ever, Rattler could be a valuable asset in Miami’s QB room.
The Road Ahead
Spencer Rattler’s time in New Orleans may be nearing its end, but his NFL journey is just getting started. He’s still young, still talented, and still learning. While the Saints look to the future with Tyler Shough, Rattler has a chance to carve out his own path - whether that’s as a backup with upside or a surprise starter in the right system.
There’s no shortage of teams that could use a quarterback with his tools and potential. And with the right coaching, the right fit, and a little patience, Rattler might just find the second chapter of his career is even better than the first.