49ers’ Robert Saleh praises Saints’ breakout QB, ‘he’s going to be a household…’

Saints are more competitive than many initially thought, and Spencer Rattler is earning recognition

Spencer Rattler and rookie quarterback Tyler Shough found themselves in the middle of a battle for the starting job during training camp, after veteran Derek Carr decided to retire in early May.

It was by far the most inexperienced quarterback room in the league, with Rattler only being a second-year QB with six starts under his belt.

The 5th-rounder from the 2024 draft started those six games in relief of Derek Carr last season, throwing for a total of 1,317 yards and four touchdowns, with five interceptions.

When Shough was drafted, the expectation was that Kellen Moore had gotten his guy, the rookie would start, and Rattler would be his backup.

Instead, Spencer Rattler won the job, and through the first two weeks of the season, he’s played at an elite level. The Saints may not have a win under their belt yet this season, but that has nothing to do with Rattler’s performance.

In the opener against the Arizona Cardinals, the Saints’ QB1 threw for 214 passing yards, and had tight end Juwan Johnson caught the touchdown pass Rattler threw his way, they may have won that game.

In Week 2, Rattler was outstanding. He completed 25 of 34 passes for 207 yards and three touchdowns, and had the Saints competing in the game against a very talented San Francisco 49ers defense.

49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, who returned to his prior role this offseason, had a lot of praise for the second-year QB before the game:

“This quarterback. I’m telling y’all he’s going to be a household by the end of the year. This kid is pretty good. He’s a twitchy athlete; he’s got a hell of an arm. He’s very decisive in his decision-making as he goes through his progression, and he’s accurate with the football.”

Saleh was right, and Rattler showed it by giving his defense plenty to think about on Sunday.

The second-year QB responded to Saleh’s comments too, saying:

“That means a lot. You want the respect of your peers, and obviously [Saleh] is one of the top guys in the league. He was a head coach and obviously a great defensive coordinator so, to have that respect before the game and even after, getting to speak with him after is a cool feeling. Makes you want to keep working hard.”

Rattler is fighting for his job long-term, in a prove-it year with the New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints are one of the teams expected to be in the market for a franchise quarterback in the 2026 NFL draft. They’ve been strongly considered for the number one pick conversation, but Spencer Rattler is trying to fight that narrative and claim the job as his own long-term.

If he plays well, and Kellen Moore believes he can operate his offense at a high level, the Saints may choose to build around Rattler, rather than replace him.

It’s also worth noting that the anticipated 2026 draft class of quarterbacks is currently struggling, including the likes of Arch Manning, Cade Klubnik, and others. That may work in Rattler’s favor, and New Orleans could potentially look to add more star power to help the team win, instead of another QB.