The New Orleans Saints head into the 2026 season with a clear starter under center, but that clarity might just open the door for a surprising trade. With Tyler Shough firmly established as the franchise's quarterback of the future, backup Spencer Rattler has reportedly turned heads this offseason—and that could make him a valuable trade asset.
Shough, the reigning Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Year, took over the starting job midway through last season and never looked back. In nine starts, he guided the Saints to a 5-4 record, completing 67.6% of his passes for 2,384 yards, 10 touchdowns, and six interceptions. His emergence not only stabilized the offense but also put the team in a position to think long-term.
“I am truly humbled and honored to be chosen for this award,” Shough said. “Coming in as a rookie, my goal was to do anything I could to contribute to our team’s success. Whatever I was asked to do, I just wanted to help the team. This wouldn’t be possible without all of my teammates and coaches giving everything they had each and every week to help us win. The award is truly a reflection of all of their hard work. I also want to say thank you to our amazing fans. Your unbelievable passion for the Saints and the city of New Orleans inspires all of us! I can’t wait to see where we go from here!”
With Shough locked in as the starter, the Saints have a luxury many teams don't: a proven backup who could start elsewhere. According to Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football, Rattler has “leveled up” his game this offseason, and he believes some team should call about a trade.
“Rattler has leveled up,” Underhill said. “Some team should call about him.”
Rattler's numbers from last season weren't eye-popping, but they were solid. Before being benched in favor of Shough, he completed 68% of his passes for 1,586 yards, eight touchdowns, and five interceptions. He wasn't the reason the Saints struggled—he just didn't elevate the offense the way Shough did.
That could make him an attractive option for teams in need of a capable backup or even a low-risk starter. The Indianapolis Colts and Minnesota Vikings are two squads that could benefit from taking a flier on Rattler, giving them a reliable insurance policy for the 2026 campaign. Even if he doesn't start, having a quarterback of his caliber on the depth chart is a plus.
However, the Saints might be wise to hold onto Rattler. Shough has a concerning injury history, and keeping a proven backup could be crucial if the starter goes down. The team's rookie class has already made headlines for the right reasons, and depth at quarterback is never a bad thing.
As the season approaches, the Saints face a delicate balance. Trading Rattler could net valuable draft capital, but keeping him provides insurance. With the NFL's quarterback hierarchy always shifting, a player like Rattler might be more valuable than some think. And if the Cowboys are making bold moves, why not the Saints?
Ultimately, the decision will come down to whether the front office believes Shough can stay healthy for a full season. If they have doubts, Rattler becomes indispensable. If they're confident, a trade could be the savvy move that strengthens the roster elsewhere.
