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Drew Brees Shares Blunt Opinion of Saints' Spencer Rattler Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Aug 27, 2025 4:23 PM ET

The New Orleans Saints announced on Tuesday that second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler earned the starting spot to begin the 2025 season.

En route to earning that honor, he beat out a rookie second-round pick and 2023 fourth-round pick, Jake Haener, who has since been signed to the team's practice squad.

Drew Brees is Confident in Spencer Rattler

Ever since the retirement of legendary quarterback Drew Brees following the 2020 season, the Saints have been desperate to find their next franchise quarterback.

During a Wednesday appearance on "The Up & Adams Show," Brees was asked if he was surprised Rattler earned the nod over Shough, and his answer was clear.

“No, I’m not surprised,” Brees said. “I mean, look, they’re both young players, Rattler’s only in his second year, and Tyler Shough was just drafted… I was impressed with Rattler last year. Especially on a team that look, they were decimated by injury last season."

Was Drew Brees surprised that the Saints named Spencer Rattler their starting QB? @heykayadams | @drewbrees | #Saints pic.twitter.com/F2HAt7a4yF
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) August 27, 2025

Rattler was dealt several disappointing injuries within his supporting cast of wide receivers. The quarterback appeared in seven games with six starts last season, having Chris Olave just twice (Week 6 and 8) and Rashid Shaheed once (Week 6).

In the end, Rattler wound up completing just 130-of-228 passes for 1,317 yards, four touchdowns, five interceptions and a 70.4 passer rating while going 0-6.

Spencer Rattler Has More Talent Around Him

Rattler is already receiving a huge boost by having both Olave and Shaheed back. General manager Mickey Loomis also surrounded him with several talented pass catchers and offensive linemen.

Wide receiver Brandin Cooks (two-year $13 million deal).
Offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. (2025 first-round pick)
Tight end Jack Stoll (one-year, $1.36 million deal)
Tight end Moliki Matavao (2025 seventh-round pick).
Offensive tackle Asim Richards (acquired via trade from the Dallas Cowboys)

Brees specifically pointed out Cooks as someone who "is another guy who can blow the top off and do some things in the passing game."

Even with these additions, though, Rattler is faced with a tough Week 1 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, as the Saints currently sit as 6.5-point underdogs according to ESPN BET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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