Saints QB Spencer Rattler has big opportunity after Carr injury
04/12/2025
By Ross Jackson
In the NFL, when things go sideways, there’s only one path forward: find the next opportunity. For the New Orleans Saints, that moment has arrived.
With quarterback Derek Carr facing an uncertain future due to a serious shoulder injury, the franchise may be staring at the abrupt end of its current era—and the beginning of a major reset.
Whether it’s the “next man up” or the “day by day” mentality, the attitude of navigating complex situations in the NFL boils down to the simple principles of shifting focus and moving forward as quickly as possible.
That’s what the Saints, who have never attached themselves to a “woe, is me” kind of approach, will now have to do at its most important position, if Carr is indeed no longer available. While the NFL Draft offers intriguing options and potential, the Saints already have a passer on their roster who has quickly made it known he’s ready.
Second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler posted on his Instagram story a photo that shows his view from inside the Saints facility on Saturday. The Saints are set to begin their offseason workout program on Monday, April 14 in a matter of days.
FYI Spencer Rattler is already at the #Saints facility putting in work. pic.twitter.com/tyjxCakti8
— Farrah Yvette (@farrah_yvette) April 12, 2025
Rattler has been sharing several offseason workout videos over the last few months. Whether working with other quarterbacks and draft-eligible receivers like Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan and Stanford’s Elic Ayomanor, linking back up with Saints receiver Kevin Austin Jr., or sharpening aspects of his game one-on-one with quarterback coach Mike Giovando, there’s been no absence of materials shared to show the effort.
The second-year quarterback went winless in his starts as a rookie—something the Saints have partly attributed to the circumstances around him, while also making it clear there’s still plenty of work to be done. To Rattler’s credit, he’s not been shy about the improvement he’d like to see in his game either.
A source with knowledge of Rattler’s offseason efforts highlighted a trio of focal points for the young quarterback.
- Flexibility
- Pocket movement
- Tightening mechanics
Those familiar with the quarterback’s routine also expect to add more areas of focus and improvement throughout the offseason, OTAs, and the break before camp.
Whether or not the offseason work will lead to Rattler assuming the starting role again in 2025 remains to be seen. New head coach Kellen Moore could look to handpick his own new starter in the NFL Draft, which would shift the trajectory.
But as the team reports on Monday and Carr is sidelined, Rattler has a major opportunity to carry himself as the “QB1.” It’s clear that he’s in the process of taking advantage of the chance right away, regardless of what the end result may be.
