The New Orleans Saints are coming off their worst season since 2005, finishing with a 5-12 record in 2024. They struggled on both sides of the ball, ranking 24th in points scored, 21st in total yards, 19th in scoring defense, and 30th in yards allowed.
Meanwhile, the status of starting quarterback Derek Carr remains uncertain heading into next season due to a shoulder injury to his throwing arm. While a decision regarding potential surgery—which Carr reportedly hopes to avoid—is expected at some point, there is currently no timeline.
His availability could have significant implications for rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler, as the Saints selected a quarterback in the NFL Draft for the third consecutive year.
Saints’ Rattler Named As Potential Cut Candidate
Following last month’s 2025 NFL Draft, PFN’s Sterling Xie revealed one potential candidate to be cut or traded from each of the NFL’s 32 teams. He predicted that Rattler, who the Saints selected in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, could be on the verge of being released from the team, writing:
“Spencer Rattler was thrust into an unfair position as a fifth-round rookie for the New Orleans Saints last year. It was painfully obvious how overmatched Rattler was in his six starts, all of which the Saints lost. Rattler’s 56.2 (F) QB+ grade was the second-worst among 39 qualifying quarterbacks last season, ahead of only Browns QB Deshaun Watson.”
Xie added: “With Derek Carr potentially missing all of 2025, the Saints will need far better play than what Rattler and Jake Haener provided in 2024 if they hope to remain remotely competitive…given that Rattler got a longer look than Haener, the Saints might be more willing to move on from him if the competition is close in training camp and the preseason.”
Rattler struggled tremendously in seven games, six of which he started, last season. He threw for 1,317 yards, four touchdowns and five interceptions while completing just 57.0% of his pass attempts, adding 146 rushing yards on 18 carries. The Saints went winless in his six starts.
While many were shocked by the decision to select Tyler Shough in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, he appears to be in a prime position to compete for a starting job – provided that Carr is unable to go to begin the season.
Although it would be a surprise to see them move on from Rattler after just one season, New Orleans did not use prime draft capital on the quarterback – making such a decision easier.
