The four-year, $150 million contract was supposed to give Derek Carr a fresh start and stabilize a franchise desperate for consistency. But after two seasons marred by injuries—a fractured left hand, multiple concussions, and a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder—the veteran shocked the NFL world by retiring in May 2025. His departure caught many off guard, including new Saints head coach Kellen Moore. The silver lining? Carr’s retirement provided the Saints with a crucial $30 million in cap relief. But the problem remained: who would step up under center?
Enter Spencer Rattler, the 2024 fifth-round pick from South Carolina. Despite boasting 6,212 passing yards and 37 touchdowns over his final two collegiate seasons, Rattler dropped to the 150th pick in the draft. Many believed the spotlight-shy quarterback lacked the polish to thrive in the NFL. But now, in his second year, he’s quietly becoming the most intriguing name on the Saints’ roster.
This offseason, Rattler trained extensively with quarterback coach Scott Tolzien and worked out with several college-level receivers to refine his pocket mechanics and footwork. And that work appears to be paying off. According to multiple OTA observers, Rattler has emerged as the early favorite to lead the Saints’ offense. As NFL insider Dov Kleiman shared, “Spencer Rattler has really been IMPRESSIVE in OTAs as he works to land the STARTING JOB.”
NFL RUMORS: #Saints QB Spencer Rattler has really been IMPRESSIVE in OTA’s as he works to land the STARTING JOB. pic.twitter.com/vucYsm7OM4
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) May 25, 2025
In 2024, Rattler was thrown into action earlier than expected after Carr’s oblique injury in Week 6. Despite a 27–51 loss to the Buccaneers, the rookie delivered a composed 243-yard performance with one touchdown and two interceptions on 22-of-40 passing. His poise and arm strength didn’t go unnoticed.
He went on to play in seven games, starting six, and finished with 1,317 passing yards, four touchdowns, and five interceptions. His 57% completion rate and 70.4 passer rating were inconsistent, but the raw talent was undeniable—especially after setting a new Saints franchise record for most passing yards by a rookie quarterback.
Kellen Moore reflects on Carr, looks ahead
Moore, who was brought in this offseason after a successful stint as the Eagles‘ Super Bowl-winning OC, was optimistic about building around Carr. The Saints were even exploring a contract restructure before Carr’s sudden retirement. It wasn’t just about production—Carr’s leadership was invaluable.
“First of all, you respect and appreciate so much what he’s done in this league,” Moore said during a press conference. “The on-the-field performance and the off-the-field person he’s showcased and the impact he’s had on so many. It’s really special.”
And the stats back it up. Carr finishes his career with 41,245 passing yards and 257 touchdowns—good for four Pro Bowl appearances over 11 seasons. Though he never made it to a Super Bowl, Carr was consistently productive and widely respected in locker rooms.
The Saints’ quarterback room isn’t short on intrigue. Rattler is joined by Jake Haener—a 2023 fourth-rounder recovering from an oblique strain—and Tyler Shough, a second-round pick from the 2025 draft class. Haener, in limited 2024 action, went 18-of-39 for 226 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Shough, known for his arm strength and mobility at Texas Tech, is viewed as more of a long-term project but could push for reps in training camp.
Kellen Moore now faces one of his first major decisions as head coach: roll the dice on Rattler’s upside, lean into the developmental arc of Shough, or see if Haener can emerge once healthy. Whatever the decision, the post-Carr era has begun. And for now, Spencer Rattler seems determined to prove he’s more than just a fifth-round flier. The audition has officially started.
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