Can Spencer Rattler be the primary backup to Derek Carr for the Saints as a rookie?

One of the bigger storylines in the 2024 NFL Draft was Spencer Rattler and his slide into the mid rounds. Rattler was eventually picked by the New Orleans Saints in the fifth round and everyone saw it as an intriguing selection. With Derek Carr locked in as the starter for the Saints, there was intrigue about Rattler developing and eventually becoming the man in New Orleans.

Even if that happens, it will be at least one season away. All signs point to the Saints rolling with Derek Carr this season as long as he’s healthy. However, the prospect of Rattler being Carr’s primary backup is a conversation worth having. Could Spencer Rattler, as a rookie, be QB2 in New Orleans?

Will Spencer Rattler be QB2 for the Saints?

The answer will ultimately be decided during training camp and the preseason, but looking at things in New Orleans, there’s no reason to think Rattler can’t win the backup role. The other quarterbacks on the roster are Jake Haener, Nathan Peterman, and Kellen Mond. Without being too harsh, fans would probably rather an injured Derek Carr play than any of those three going under center.

Haener in the NFL is simply an unknown, having just one season in the league, with six weeks of that season spent suspended for performance enhancing drugs. Mond is entering his fourth season in the NFL and is already with his fourth team. Through his travels, he only has experience in one regular season game. Peterman is the most experienced but all of his experience is bad. He’s probably the most infamous backup quarterback in the NFL.

This is all to say that the QB2 role is open for the taking and Spencer Rattler could be the one who takes it. New Orleans isn’t going to carry five quarterbacks on the roster, so these guys will fight all offseason for depth chart positioning and roster spots.

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