As the New Orleans Saints begin their offseason program and set their sights on the 2025 NFL season, one storyline that’s already taking shape—perhaps prematurely—is the quiet dismissal of rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler from the team’s quarterback competition. Taken in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Rattler arrived in New Orleans with more curiosity than expectation. Now, just weeks into organized team activities (OTAs), it seems like many around the league—and even within some corners of the organization—are already counting him out.
It’s a familiar narrative for Rattler, whose football career has been defined as much by external doubt and internal growth as it has by arm talent. Once considered a future No. 1 overall pick during his early days at Oklahoma, Rattler’s path took a detour after losing his starting job and transferring to South Carolina. There, he rebuilt his reputation, showed flashes of maturity and polish, and played well enough to earn another NFL look—albeit as a Day 3 prospect.
When the Saints selected him in the fifth round, it seemed like a logical fit. New Orleans needed a young developmental option behind veteran Derek Carr, and Rattler—still just 23—possessed enough upside to intrigue coaches and fans alike. His arm strength, quick release, and natural feel for off-platform throws offered the kind of tools that could be molded in the right environment.
But instead of a legitimate quarterback competition, early signs suggest Rattler may be viewed more as a long-term project—or, worse, a camp body.
Derek Carr, entering his second season with the Saints, remains the entrenched starter despite an uneven 2024 campaign. Behind him is veteran backup Jake Haener, who has reportedly been getting the bulk of second-team reps in practice, while Rattler is largely relegated to third-team duties. Though this structure is typical for a rookie quarterback, particularly a late-round pick, what’s raised eyebrows is the tone from the coaching staff and media surrounding his role.
Head coach Dennis Allen has offered only lukewarm praise, often referring to Rattler’s development as a “process” and emphasizing how much he has to learn before being seriously considered for a larger role. Offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak has echoed similar sentiments, pointing to the need for Rattler to improve his command of the playbook and consistency with fundamentals.
None of this is shocking—NFL transitions are difficult, and Rattler is in the early stages. But the speed with which he’s being penciled out of meaningful competition is what’s surprising. Rather than being framed as a dark-horse challenger or even a legitimate threat to move up
