Spencer Rattler play could lead to tough Saints 2026 NFL Draft decision

The New Orleans Saints could soon find themselves at a pivotal fork in the road.

In Week 6, the Saints (1-5) lost to the New England Patriots, 25-19, but the result wasn't without its bright spots. In particular, quarterback Spencer Rattler, a 2024 fifth-round pick, had another sharp game. As he grows in comfort, seemingly on a weekly basis, it might force the Saints to make a difficult decision this offseason.

Spencer Rattler's play could complicate New Orleans Saints' 2026 NFL Draft plans

According to ESPN's NFL Football Power Index, New Orleans is projected to finish with the league's third-worst record, setting it up for a prime draft pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, set for Apr. 23-25 in Pittsburgh.

While it's too early to know who the top prospects in the upcoming class will be, a top-three pick would most likely put the Saints in a position to select a potential franchise quarterback. However, New Orleans might not need one based on how Rattler has performed.

To support Rattler as deserving of a look beyond 2025 as a starting quarterback, examine the following numbers.

Player A: 60.7 percent completion percentage, 1,943 passing yards (194.3 yards per game), seven touchdowns, six interceptions, 82.9 passer rating.

Player B: 62.4 percent completion percentage, 2,534 passing yards (194.9 yards per game), 10 touchdowns, six interceptions, 80.5 passer rating

Player A is Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr., the No. 8 overall pick of the 2025 draft. Rattler, selected 142 spots later, is Player B.

While putting up similar numbers, Penix has faced no questions about his future as Atlanta's starting quarterback, yet it's been presumed that Rattler is simply a seat warmer for New Orleans' next long-term quarterback.

But he's taken meaningful steps in the right direction this season, raising his completion rate 11.5 percentage points, from 57 percent to 68.5 percent. In the same number of starts as in 2024, Rattler has thrown more touchdowns, fewer interceptions, and posted a quarterback rating (QBR) 20.4 points higher than as a rookie.

Is Spencer Rattler more than just a seat-warmer?

As New Orleans evaluates its possible options in the draft, it must decide whether going with a rookie quarterback would be preferable to fixing other issues and giving Rattler a legitimate chance with a better roster around him.

The rest of the season will be crucial to informing that decision. If Rattler continues on his current trajectory, it would be hard for the Saints to justify heading in another direction. 

But if he regresses, New Orleans could be forced to seek a quarterback with higher upside. The Saints also have rookie Tyler Shough on their roster, and he should get a look before the end of the season in that scenario. But after failing to beat out Rattler for the starting job in training camp, the front office could likely do better with a top 2026 rookie.

New Orleans has plenty of time before making a decision that will chart the franchise's future course, but the clock is ticking. Soon enough, the Saints will need to decide what direction they're headed.