Aaron Schatz of ESPN said in a recent article that New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler would do best with a change of scenery next season. If the Saints were smart, however, they wouldn't be quick to let Rattler play elsewhere in 2026.
Rattler is just too good to be given away for anything cheap. As Schatz mentions, though he was trying to make another point, Rattler's 50.1 QBR was higher than Tyler Shough's of 48.8 last season. With that, plus the fact that he's set to earn just $1 million because of his rookie contract, the Saints are set to have one of the better backup quarterbacks in the league for cheap.
Schatz believes Rattler also showed growth. Schatz says that Rattler "showed a better grasp of the mental aspects of the position last season." A fifth-round draft pick in 2026, if Rattler does don another uniform in 2026, the Saints should at least get a return on their investment.
Saints should get at least a fifth-round pick for QB Spencer Rattler
Spencer Rattler has well outplayed his fifth-round draft status. Quarterbacks selected there don't typically get the chance to have 16 starts in their first two years, let alone throw for 2,903 yards and 12 touchdowns.
The Saints shouldn't rush to get rid of Rattler just because Tyler Shough is the key starter. It doesn't seem like either side is pushing for a divorce, so they should be selective with what they accept in return.
If the Saints were to trade away Rattler, they should at the very least get a fifth-round pick. Honestly, that's really the bare minimum. The Saints should probably get a fourth, just for the fact that he's as comfortable in New Orleans as the Saints are with him.
That may admittedly scare off some potential suitors. With that high of a price, it's likely that Rattler will return to the team next season. However, there are some teams that are in quarterback limbo, such as the Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals, Pittsburgh Steelers, or Miami Dolphins, that might want the Saints quarterback on their team enough to pay that premium.