For former South Carolina Gamecock players, having longevity in the league after their collegiate careers are over is key. For former Gamecock starting quarterback Spencer Rattler, he has some much-needed clarity on his situation with the New Orleans Saints.
Although there was reportedly interest from certain teams trading for Rattler, who is a former fifth-round pick from the 2024 NFL Draft, he is expected to remain with the Saints. According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Rattler is expected to remain in New Orleans, where he will serve as a valuable back up for starter Tyler Shough.
The Saints received trade interest in QB Spencer Rattler but plan to keep him, per sources.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 30, 2026
Rattler will serve as quality depth behind Tyler Shough, barring a change. pic.twitter.com/1kmZcWzSHb
The Saints drafted Shough out of Louisville in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, in a sign that they intended to make him the team's quarterback of the future.
But Rattler, who started in six games as a rookie in 2024, was named the starter for Week 1 last season. But Shough saw playing time as Rattler struggled midway through the season. After Rattler threw three interceptions in a 26-14 loss to the Chicago Bears, Shough came off the bench for him after he threw another pick the next week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Shough remained New Orleans' starter by Week 9, and he played well the rest of the season running the offense. He finished with a 5-4 record as a starter, which was a franchise record for wins as a rookie. He threw for 2,384 yards with 10 touchdowns and six interceptions. He also completed 67.6% of his passes, and was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month for his play in December and early January.
New Orleans will be led by second-year head coach Kellen Moore in 2026, as he looks to improve upon a 6-11 record last season. Rattler remaining in New Orleans seems to be the best spot for this point in his career.
I think both these guys are capable of playing and being really successful quarterbacks," Moore said after his team's final preseason game against Dallas. "I feel great about our quarterback room. That collection of players — they're young players. They're not veterans. They have a lot of growth opportunities ahead of them.
Tyler's had an excellent offseason. His three joint practices were really, really good work, and just really excited with where he's going. And I think Spencer and Zach are going to provide excellent depth for us. To have both of those guys in this league is very valuable for us.
Instead of going somewhere else to learn a new system, he can be a competent backup to come in for Shough if needed. during his first year. The Saints only other quarterback on their roster is Zach Wilson, so it's a good move to keep Rattler in place for both sides.
Across his two seasons with New Orleans, Rattler has thrown for 2,903 yards with 12 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He has 313 rush yards with nine fumbles.
New Orleans will open the 2026 season on the road against the Detroit Lions.
Add us as a preferred source on Google