The quarterback competition in New Orleans is heating up, and former South Carolina Gamecock QB Spencer Rattler appears to be hitting his stride at the perfect time. Saints head coach Kellen Moore told reporters on Tuesday that the team is close to naming a starter for the 2025 season. And while nothing is official yet, one name keeps popping up and that storyline is trending in Rattler's favor.
On Tuesday, the former Gamecock QB was given his chance to run with the starters in the Saints training camp. It marked his second consecutive practice in which Rattler worked extensively with the first-team unit. The Saints' first preseason game is this Sunday, and the coaching staff's decision to give Rattler the majority of reps might be the strongest indicator yet of a shift in the QB competition.
The Saints' initial depth chart lists Rattler, Tyler Shough, and Jake Haener all as potential quarterbacks, but the recent practices certainly seem to suggest that the former Gamecock is not in the driver's seat. Rattler will have little margin for error, however, as Shough could see action should the Saints' offense struggle.
The battle is far from over, however, as Tyler Shough did take late reps with the starters. If Rattler can land the starting position, it would be significant as he has been with the franchise for a year and can bring NFL game experience to the table. Rattler started six games for New Orleans last season, throwing for 1,317 yards, four touchdowns, and completing 57% of his passes.
“I know what I bring to the table,” Rattler told Yahoo Sports’ Jori Epstein. “I was confident in what I can do in this competition. I feel like that brings the best out of me. And I feel like throughout this camp, I’ve been the best quarterback on the field. So, I want to keep that going and keep showing the team, keep showing the guys, keep showing the coaches that I want to be that guy.”
Before his NFL career began, Rattler made a lasting impact in South Carolina. After transferring from Oklahoma, Rattler played two seasons with the Gamecocks, appearing in 25 games and throwing for a total of 6,212 yards, the fifth-most in program history. He set the school record for career completion percentage (.675) and ranks in the program's top 10 in both completions (523) and passing touchdowns (37). As team captain, Rattler was also a key leader in South Carolin's back-to-back bowl appearances in 2022 and 2023.
Now, with an NFL starting job within his grasp, Rattler has a chance to add another chapter to his already growing legacy in football.