The experiment is basically over. If you’ve been following the New Orleans Saints over the last few months, you know the vibe around the quarterback room has shifted from "youthful hope" to "trade block reality." Spencer Rattler, the man who began 2025 with the keys to Kellen Moore’s offense, is no longer the guy in the Big Easy.
It’s kinda wild how fast things move in the NFL. One minute you’re the face of a post-Derek Carr era, and the next, you’re watching a rookie take your job and the locker room's heart.
The Rise and Sudden Stall of Spencer Rattler
When Derek Carr headed into medical retirement before the 2025 season, the Saints were in a spot. They had Spencer Rattler, the 2024 fifth-rounder, and Tyler Shough, the rookie second-round pick out of Louisville. Kellen Moore liked Rattler’s "superpower"—that aggressive, off-platform playmaking—and named him the Week 1 starter against Arizona.
Honestly, it looked okay for a second.
Rattler flashed. He threw for 214 yards in that opener and followed it up with a three-touchdown performance against the 49ers. But the wins just weren't there. The Saints stumbled to a 1-7 start under his watch. While some of that was a talent-deficient roster and a brutal schedule, the NFL is a "what have you done for me lately" business.
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Rattler's 2025 stat line tells a story of a player who is capable but maybe not a franchise savior:
- Completion Percentage: 67.7%
- Passing Yards: 1,586
- Touchdowns/Interceptions: 8 TD / 5 INT
- Passer Rating: 86.5
Those aren't bench-worthy numbers in a vacuum, but when you're 1-7, a spark is required. That spark was Tyler Shough.
Why Shough Took the Spencer Rattler Saints QB1 Spot
Midway through the season, the Saints pulled the trigger. Shough stepped in and basically didn't look back. He finished the year as a legit Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate, throwing for over 1,300 yards in the final stretch with a completion rate over 70% in December.
The Saints fan base is fired up about Shough now. It’s hard to argue with results. Shough went 5-4 in his starts, showing a level of poise that Rattler occasionally lacked when the pocket collapsed.
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By the time the season wrapped up in January 2026, the depth chart was set in stone. Shough is the starter. Rattler is the backup. And for a guy with Rattler’s pedigree and arm talent, "backup" is a temporary title.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Benchings
There’s this narrative that Rattler "failed." That’s a bit much.
Chris Olave, the Saints' star wideout, recently went to bat for Rattler, saying he’s "not a backup quarterback in this league." He’s right. Rattler was dealt a tough hand. He faced five playoff teams in his eight starts. He was playing behind an offensive line that was, frankly, a revolving door due to injuries to guys like Erik McCoy and Lucas Patrick.
The problem isn't that Rattler is bad. The problem is that Shough was just better for what Kellen Moore wants to do right now.
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The Trade Market: Where Does He Go?
Now that it’s January 2026, the trade rumors are everywhere. Mickey Loomis is likely looking to recoup some of the draft capital they’ve spent over the years. Rattler is a valuable chip. He’s 25, has 14 NFL starts under his belt, and is under a cheap rookie contract for two more seasons.
Several teams are desperate for a quarterback who can at least compete for a starting job:
- New York Jets: Their QB room is a disaster. The Justin Fields experiment didn't stick, and they need a young arm with upside.
- Pittsburgh Steelers: With Aaron Rodgers likely retiring, the Steelers are looking at a room filled with "just okay" options like Mason Rudolph. Rattler’s ceiling is higher.
- Arizona Cardinals: A return to his home state makes sense if the Kyler Murray era is finally winding down.
What's Next for the Saints and Rattler?
If the Saints keep him, they have the best backup situation in the NFC South. If they trade him, they probably land a third or fourth-round pick that helps them rebuild around Shough.
The most likely outcome is a mutual breakup. Rattler wants to play. The Saints want assets. It’s a classic NFL crossroads.
For fans, the takeaway is simple: Spencer Rattler proved he belongs in the league, but he won't be the one leading the Who Dat Nation into the 2026 season.
Actionable Insights for Saints Fans
- Monitor the Combine: Watch for reports of teams meeting with Mickey Loomis regarding QB trades. This is usually where the Rattler deal will be framed.
- Check the 2026 Draft Order: If the Saints use a high pick on a guy like Ty Simpson or Fernando Mendoza, Rattler is almost certainly gone before training camp.
- Draft Value: If you’re in a dynasty fantasy league, Rattler is a "buy low" or "hold." His value will spike the moment he lands in a spot like New York or Vegas where he can compete for the QB1 role again.