Saints May Already Have Spencer Rattler's Successor In Their Sights
The New Orleans Saints are one of the worst teams in football this year, which means they're likely going to land a top draft pick next winter.
The Saints might want to draft a quarterback at the top of the first round. This season, they've used Spencer Rattler as their starting quarterback, and he's been solid. Second round pick Tyler Shough hasn't looked good, and he's ended up on the bench as a result. At this point, the Saints could look to draft a quarterback if Rattler doesn't flash more potential.
FanSided's Justin Carter recently predicted the Saints would land Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza at the top of the 2026 NFL Draft next offseason.
Saints linked to Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza in NFL Draft
"The Saints picked up their first win of the year on Sunday against the Giants, but don't expect that to mean much. I still expect New Orleans to wind up picking second or third in this draft behind the Jets and, like...the Titans, maybe? But Tennessee isn't in need of a quarterback, so barring a team trading up, New Orleans should have a chance to draft its long-term guy," Carter wrote. "(This assumes, of course, that the Saints leave 2025 convinced that Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough aren't the answers. They should be very convinced of that fact, but NFL coaching staffs have made dumber decisions than that before.)
"Mendoza is a very good pocket passer, though games like his showing against Iowa show that his game can sometimes break down a bit against better defenses. Still, this is a dude who dropped five touchdowns on 91.3 percent passing on Illinois; he can be an elite thrower in the NFL."
Mendoza has been a very good quarterback in the Big Ten this year. He's burst on the scene for the Hoosiers and, as a result, he's flown up up draft boards.
There's a chance Mendoza could end up as a top two or three quarterback in the upcoming draft, which would put him firmly in the range of the Saints' top pick.
The Saints could want to move on from Rattler this offseason. He's shown some potential, but not enough to save his job going forward.
SPENCER RATTLER'S RISING STAR STATUS: DREW BREES GIVES HIM MAJOR PRAISE

In a season where the New Orleans Saints are struggling to find their rhythm, one bright spot has emerged on the horizon: Spencer Rattler. Despite the team’s recent tough losses, including a 31-19 defeat to the Buffalo Bills, Rattler’s performance has been steadily gaining attention, and none other than Saints legend Drew Brees has now weighed in with glowing praise.
“Spencer Rattler has shown why he’s a QB with a bright future. It’s not just about his technical skills, but his resilience and heart,” said Brees. “He’s winning over fans, and he’s just getting started!”
While the Saints continue to grapple with a 0-4 start to the season, Rattler’s leadership on the field has proven to be a beacon of hope for the team's fans. The young quarterback, known for his calm under pressure and strong arm, has shown that he can lead the offense with poise and precision. In the Saints’ latest matchup against the Bills, Rattler connected with Chris Olave for a touchdown and made multiple key throws that kept the team competitive.
Even in a loss, Rattler has shown a level of maturity and growth that bodes well for his future in New Orleans. His ability to stay composed, even when facing some of the NFL’s top defenses, speaks volumes about his potential. With Brees, a future Hall of Famer, now backing him up, Rattler’s confidence is only likely to soar.
Despite the team’s rough start to the season, Rattler’s resilience shines through. Many of his throws have been bold, and his decision-making has impressed coaches and fans alike. There’s a sense of quiet optimism that if the Saints can rally around him and fix their other issues, Rattler could lead the charge to bring the team back to its winning ways.
Saints head coach Kellen Moore recently commented on Rattler’s potential, saying, “Spencer’s done exactly what we’ve asked of him, and he’s shown he can handle adversity. It’s only a matter of time before we start seeing more consistency in his play.”
The Saints will look to build on Rattler’s promise when they take on the New York Giants in Week 5. If they can tighten up their defense and improve their offensive line play, Rattler may very well be the key to turning their season around.
As Drew Brees continues to offer his mentorship from the sidelines, Saints fans have reason to believe that their team’s future could be in good hands. With Spencer Rattler leading the way, New Orleans might just have the quarterback they need to return to prominence in the NFC South.
Stay tuned, because the Rattler era is just beginning.