Should the Saints go with Spencer Rattler as the starter?

The New Orleans Saints are at a crossroads. With veteran quarterback Derek Carr sidelined by yet another injury and the team’s future at the most critical position in question, a debate has ignited over whether the Saints should make Spencer Rattler – the young, drafted quarterback who has already seen limited action – the permanent starter. This decision, which essentially shapes the long-term trajectory of the franchise’s offensive identity, carries both promise and risk. In this extensive analysis, we’ll explore the background of the Saints’ quarterback situation, review Rattler’s performance so far, weigh the arguments for and against his tenure as the starter, and discuss how this decision fits into broader team-building and cap-management strategies.

Background: A Franchise in Question

The quarterback is the linchpin of every NFL team. Over the past few seasons, the New Orleans Saints have prided themselves on establishing a stable signal caller position—but that stability has been shattered by injury woes and underwhelming on-field performance. Derek Carr, who was seen as an experienced and reliable option, now faces recurring issues, including a new shoulder injury that puts his availability for the upcoming season into serious doubt. With Carr’s status uncertain and the lack of suitable veteran alternatives on the roster, the quarterback mantle has fallen to the shoulders of a rookie, Spencer Rattler.

Rattler was selected in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft—a pick that, under normal circumstances, might not suggest immediate future-proofing. Yet, the Saints’ decision to bring him along in these turbulent times marks an intriguing gamble for a team that desperately needs stability and growth at the position. According to a recent Canal Street Chronicles article, if the team decides not to draft another quarterback in the upcoming NFL Draft, Rattler would assume the starting role, providing the organization with a “low-risk, high-reward” proposition for the future.

Spencer Rattler’s Journey and Early Performance

Collegiate Roots and Professional Transition

Spencer Rattler’s football journey is one defined by high expectations from an early age. After a decorated high school career in Phoenix, Arizona, where he set state records for passing yards and touchdowns, Rattler was widely heralded as a generational talent. His collegiate tenure began at Oklahoma—a program known for producing NFL-caliber quarterbacks—before he transferred to South Carolina. In his final college seasons, he posted respectable numbers that demonstrated both arm strength and mobility. Despite these promising metrics, Rattler’s draft stock dipped, leading to his selection in the mid-rounds by the Saints. His background, filled with both accolades and setbacks, provides an interesting dichotomy: a player who has experienced both criticism and adulation at every level.

Rookie NFL Experience

Since entering the NFL, Rattler’s opportunities have been limited but formative. He was thrust into action when the Saints needed an answer to the sudden void left by Carr’s injury. In Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Rattler’s debut as the starter was anything but polished. He completed 22 of 40 passes for 243 yards—with one touchdown and two interceptions—in a game that saw his team suffer a heavy defeat. While those numbers might not paint an auspicious picture at first glance, they must be contextualized within the challenges he faced: a depleted offense plagued by injuries, an inconsistent offensive line, and little preparation time due to a disrupted practice schedule. In a subsequent contest against the Denver Broncos, Rattler’s struggles continued as he was sacked six times and fumbled twice; his limited sample size thus far has been marred by circumstances largely outside his control.

However, in another appearance coming off the bench against the Washington Commanders, Rattler managed to rally the offense in the second half, engineering a late touchdown drive that nearly sealed the win. Although the two-point conversion attempt ultimately failed, the effort demonstrated his capacity to lead an offense under duress—a quality that many observers consider to be an integral trait for a future starting quarterback.

The emerging narrative around Rattler is that, while he is still raw and inconsistent—as can be expected from a rookie—the flashes of competence he has exhibited could indicate untapped potential if he is afforded the proper environment to develop. A number of fans and analysts have begun to question whether he could evolve into a long-term solution for the franchise.

The Argument For Making Rattler the Starter

Low Risk, High Reward

Proponents of banking on Rattler argue that the quarterback battle is essentially a choice between an unproven rookie and a veteran whose injury history and diminishing skills might not secure long-term success. From a cap management perspective, Rattler’s rookie contract is very team-friendly, and if he develops into a reliable starter, the Saints can solidify their future at the position without facing a massive cap hit. As highlighted in the Canal Street Chronicles piece, keeping a young quarterback with significant upside on a rookie deal is a “low-risk, high-reward” strategy . If Rattler can mature into at least an above-average starter, then the long-term benefits of developing his talent far outweigh the relatively minimal short-term sacrifices.

Continuity and Familiarity

Rattler has been with the organization since he was drafted, and therefore understands the team’s culture and offensive system. Even though he has had limited playing time, having watched veterans practice and learn the system provides him with a familiarity that an incoming rookie would not possess. This built-in continuity might help him adapt more quickly to the NFL’s speed and physicality compared to a mid-first-round pick who has yet to be integrated into the system. In times of franchise turnover, continuity can be a stabilizing factor.

Opportunity to Unlock Hidden Potential

There is also a case to be made that time in a challenging situation can forge a hidden resilience. Rattler’s early struggles have not necessarily been a perfect reflection of his talent but rather the product of a series of obstacles: an injured offensive line, a lack of top-tier weapons on offense, and limited practice reps due to Carr’s lingering issues. If the coaching staff, particularly the offensive coordinator led by the new head coach Kellen Moore, trusts in Rattler’s ability to learn quickly from his missteps, he could undergo significant improvement in his second year. Cultivating a quarterback from within also sends a strong message throughout the organization about confidence in their scouting and developmental infrastructure.

Risk Management for the Future

Even if Rattler struggles this season, making him the starter is not necessarily a irrevocable commitment. The NFL is an unforgiving league, and if Rattler’s performance continues to fall short, it might provide the Saints with the means (via a poor season record and a high draft pick) to select another promising quarterback the following year. In this sense, starting Rattler now is part of a broader risk management strategy; if he succeeds, the organization gains a cost-effective signal caller, and if he fails, the team can pivot in the next draft cycle. Such a “fail-fast” decision helps to eliminate the long-term contracts and cap commitments that often plague teams in transitional periods.

The Argument Against Banking on Rattler

Inconsistency and Inexperience

Critics of making Rattler the permanent starter point to his stark in-game statistics. With a completion percentage hovering around 57.0%, 1,317 passing yards, four touchdowns, and five interceptions in his limited appearances, Rattler’s numbers are not exactly what one would expect from a franchise quarterback. Skeptics argue that his struggles, particularly in games against quality opposition, might indicate that he is not ready for the high-pressure environment of a starting role in the NFL. His inability to consistently protect the ball—as seen in the fumbles and interceptions—suggests that he might benefit from more time as a backup to continue developing without the burden of starting.

The Draft Alternative

Another key argument centers on roster construction and draft strategy. With the Saints holding a high draft pick (for example, the No. 9 overall selection in the upcoming NFL Draft), many analysts advocate for selecting a quarterback prospect like Shedeur Sanders instead of building around Rattler. Drafting a highly touted rookie quarterback in the first round and then playing them behind a veteran (assuming Carr could recover in time) has been a more common strategy in recent years. If the Saints believe they can acquire a young quarterback with significant upside in the draft, it might not make sense to prematurely crown Rattler as the starting signal caller.

System and Coaching Adjustments

Critics also question whether the current offensive system and coaching philosophy under the new regime – led by head coach Kellen Moore – are sufficiently developed for Rattler. A quarterback is only as good as the system around him. With an offensive line plagued by injuries and other offensive weapons either limited or inconsistent, Rattler’s opportunities to showcase his skill are curtailed. Furthermore, a coaching staff still in flux may not provide the optimal environment for a rookie’s development. Until the team’s supporting cast and coaching philosophies are fully established, banking entirely on Rattler might be premature.

Strategic Implications for Team Building

Cap Space and Contract Considerations

From a financial standpoint, transitioning to Rattler as the starting quarterback is very appealing. His contract, being on a rookie deal, carries a fraction of the cap hit that a veteran like Carr does. In today’s NFL, where salary cap constraints significantly impact roster construction, freeing up cap space can allow the Saints to invest more in other areas of the team such as offensive line depth, defensive reinforcements, or even additional offensive weapons. This cap-friendly approach also aligns with a long-term rebuilding strategy.

Draft Position and Trade Value

Even if Rattler is not an immediate success, the inherent value of his rookie contract should not be underestimated. A poor season might result in the Saints earning a high draft pick in the 2026 NFL Draft—a pick that could be used to select another promising quarterback or bolster other position groups. This “insurance policy” essentially hedges against the risk of developing an unreliable starter. Conversely, if Rattler turns the corner and blossoms into a top-tier quarterback, the relatively low cost of his contract could provide the Saints with a significant strategic advantage for years to come.

Organizational Culture and Messaging

Deciding on a starting quarterback goes beyond the X’s and O’s—it sends a powerful signal throughout the organization. Standing by Rattler now would demonstrate confidence in the team’s scouting and developmental abilities, reinforcing a culture of trust and continuity. Conversely, opting to replace him with a new, higher-drafted rookie might create internal friction and uncertainty. Stability at the quarterback position is vital for a team in transition, and giving Rattler the opportunity to prove himself could foster an environment where players feel they are given a real chance to grow.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

Ultimately, the question of whether the Saints should go with Spencer Rattler as the starter does not have a one-size-fits-all answer. On the one hand, Rattler offers a low-risk prospect with the potential to develop into a long-term solution—a proposition that is highly attractive when coupled with a cap-friendly contract and the opportunity to build an offense around a homegrown talent . On the other hand, his current performance metrics and the systemic challenges surrounding the team make it a gamble. The team’s lack of continuity, persistent injuries on the offensive side, and the lurking question of whether a high-draft quarterback prospect such as Shedeur Sanders might be available further complicate the picture.

The decision may ultimately come down to the Saints’ willingness to invest time and resources in developing Rattler’s talent versus opting for a more immediate, albeit more expensive, solution. The coaching staff’s vision under Kellen Moore, combined with roster adjustments and improved practice conditions, could play a decisive role in Rattler’s development. If the Saints believe that with proper support Rattler can evolve into a reliable signal caller capable of running an NFL offense, then starting him this season—even if it means enduring a challenging transitional period—could set the stage for sustained future success.

Alternatively, if the organization places too much emphasis on short-term wins or if Rattler’s performance fails to improve rapidly, then the risk of an extended period of mediocrity increases. In such a case, the Saints might regret not pursuing a more established or highly regarded quarterback option through the draft or free agency, leading to further instability at the most crucial position on the field.

Conclusion

At this juncture in the season, the Saints must decide whether to commit to Spencer Rattler as their starting quarterback for the foreseeable future. The decision carries immense strategic implications. On one hand, Rattler’s low-cost rookie deal, familiarity with the team’s system, and flashes of potential suggest that investing in his development could pay long-term dividends. On the other hand, his inconsistent early performances, coupled with systemic issues on offense and the potential availability of a more polished quarterback through the draft, present significant risks.

In weighing these factors, the organization’s leadership must consider not only the immediate need to field a competitive team but also the long-term vision for the franchise. A willingness to ride out a difficult season in favor of developing a homegrown talent might ultimately prove to be the smarter strategic move, even if it results in short-term struggles. Conversely, if internal evaluations reveal that Rattler’s shortcomings cannot be remedied quickly enough, the Saints might be forced to pivot dramatically in the coming offseason—a scenario that could cost them both cap space and future draft capital.

In summary, while there is no definitive answer as to whether the Saints should go with Spencer Rattler as the starter, the decision hinges on a careful balance of risk versus reward, immediate performance metrics versus long-term potential, and the broader strategic imperatives of team building and financial management. For a franchise looking to rebuild and redefine its identity, the choice between nurturing a developing talent and pursuing an immediate, higher-drafted option is one of the most critical decisions they will face in the coming years.

Ultimately, the Saints’ commitment to either course of action will set the tone for their future success. If they choose to embrace Rattler, they are saying that they believe in their ability to develop youth talent internally, even if it means enduring adversity in the short term. If they decide otherwise, they are betting on a more immediate solution that may come with higher upfront costs. Only time will tell if this pivot towards Rattler will bring stability and growth to the New Orleans Saints or if the quarterback conundrum will continue to plague the franchise.

This decision is emblematic of the challenges faced by many NFL teams today: balancing short-term competitiveness with long-term development while managing the economic constraints of the salary cap, all under the ever-watchful eye of fans and media. The Saints’ quarterback dilemma is a microcosm of these broader strategic battles—one that could ultimately define the team’s identity for years to come.