Saints' Spencer Rattler's fall from No. 1 pick to 5th round has a happy ending
The New Orleans Saints may not have seen this coming.
And at least in his negative thoughts, Spencer Rattler may not have seen it coming, either.
But it feels pretty clear now: Rattler is an NFL starting quarterback.
The Saints gave Rattler the job to begin this season, a year after drafting him in the fifth round. They likely figured at some point they'd turn to second-round rookie Tyler Shough.
Rattler, who went 20-for-26 passing on Sunday, has had other ideas. Although the Saints as a team have struggled, Rattler has been the real deal.
He's accurate and athletic and pushes the ball down the field. It's a great skillset.
It makes some sense to those who have followed Rattler's career for a long time.
In college, if he could've come out one year earlier, he would've been in contention for the No. 1 overall pick.
But then he struggled so much he stayed in school, and then he struggled some more.
It bumped Rattler down to the fifth round.
QBs rarely make it out of the fifth round to success, but Rattler started as a rookie and has gotten better as a second-year quarterback.
He's got youth on his side, too, at least to an extent. He's actually exactly 365 days younger than Shough.
The Saints may not know enough to commit to Rattler super long term yet. But he's also proven he belongs in the NFL, and it's been a winding journey to reach this point.
BREAKING: Four Referees Suspended After Controversial 49ers vs. Buccaneers Game
In a shocking development following the San Francisco 49ers' 19–30 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6, the NFL has announced the suspension of four referees who officiated the game. The league's investigation revealed that the officiating crew overlooked several key violations committed by the Buccaneers, significantly impacting the game's outcome and leading to an unfair defeat for the 49ers.
The game, held at Raymond James Stadium on October 12, 2025, was a competitive battle, with the 49ers staying within striking distance throughout. However, a series of controversial calls—or lack thereof—shifted the momentum in favor of the Buccaneers.
One of the most glaring missed calls occurred when Buccaneers offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs appeared to hold 49ers linebacker Fred Warner during a critical rushing touchdown by Rachaad White in the second quarter. The no-call allowed White to extend his run and put the Buccaneers further ahead, leaving 49ers fans and players questioning the integrity of the officiating.
Additionally, a pivotal moment in the third quarter saw 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk clearly pushed out of bounds by Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean on a potential game-changing catch. The referees failed to throw a flag, and the Buccaneers were able to regain possession, ultimately leading to another touchdown. This no-call further deepened the frustration among 49ers fans, who felt that key plays were being missed.
The NFL’s decision to suspend the four referees underscores the seriousness with which the league views officiating integrity. In a statement, the NFL emphasized its commitment to ensuring fair play and accountability, noting that the suspensions are part of an ongoing review process aimed at maintaining the highest standards of officiating.
For the 49ers, the loss marks their second defeat of the season, leaving their record at 4–2. Despite the setback, the team remains focused on their upcoming matchup against the
As the NFL continues its investigation into the officiating crew, the 49ers' organization and their supporters await further developments, hoping for accountability and transparency in the league's handling of this contentious issue.
