The quarterback situation in New Orleans has been under the spotlight this entire 2025 campaign, but the Saints could be inclined to trade Spencer Rattler once the season is over. After the latest win against the New York Jets, the Saints aren’t postseason contenders, but they have won the past three matchups with quarterback Tyler Shough under center. It’s been a rollercoaster for the Saints to figure out who is the better long-term adequate starter for the offensive roster moving forward. However, Shough has shown that he’s the real deal, and his latest performance of hitting over 300 passing yards proves that the Saints could trade Rattler once the season concludes.
Latest Saints Performance Could Spell Spencer Rattler Trade in 2026 – Possible Suitors Emerge
For the sake of this article, this is simply speculation, as many won’t find out what will happen until the Saints play the final regular-season game. Originally selected in the fifth-round of the 2024 draft, the former South Carolina product still has two years left in his current rookie deal. The same applies to Shough, but Rattler has failed to put the Saints in the winning column this season.
While New Orleans is still rebuilding after trading for wide receiver DeVaughn Vele and claiming Trey Palmer, the Saints could grant him another chance in the offseason. Despite that, it shouldn’t be surprising if the Saints consider trading Rattler for the sake of the chemistry that Shough has been able to build with Taysom Hill. The good news for Rattler’s chances is that Hill is a free agent in March, but a trade involving the Arizona native seems much more likely than dealing Shough.
Possible Next Teams
Miami Dolphins
It’s going to take more than just signing or drafting a new quarterback for the Miami Dolphins. However, they have to start somewhere, as it wouldn’t be surprising if they overhaul their entire offense. Reportedly, the Dolphins are likely to cut Tyreek Hill, which may make it easier for them to release Tua Tagovailoa. The biggest implication of letting Tagovailoa go is his current contract.
While Quinn Ewers is still learning in this league, the Dolphins are better off adding another young quarterback like Rattler, who could be finding a new permanent home. Ewers is the future of this offense, but they’d benefit from Rattler’s presence to add some competition.
Atlanta Falcons
Meanwhile, the starting quarterback situation is up for grabs this upcoming offseason. After Michael Penix Jr. suffered a season-ending injury, Kirk Cousins got the chance to start and led the Falcons to victory in back-to-back matchups despite them eliminated from postseason contention. The expectation is still that the Falcons will release or trade him to another team before the 2026 regular season.
This means that the Falcons may draft a quarterback, but Penix hasn’t convinced this offense that he’s the long-term answer. Rattler won’t show much, but if they want to switch reps between him and Penix, this might be the route that the Falcons should take.
Pittsburgh Steelers
As long as Aaron Rodgers is still in the league, the Steelers won’t be pursuing a quarterback. However, the Steelers will need to find an adequate backup if Rodgers decides to retire or suffers another injury. Mason Rudolph is not a solid bridge anymore, and someone like Rattler can learn behind Rodgers if the Steelers extend him after the 2025 season.
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