Saints QB Spencer Rattler Expected to Draw Trade Interest in 2026 NFL Draft

New Orleans holds the 8th overall pick and could target a top defender or wide receiver.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 2:21pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a quarterback dropping back to pass, with the player's form broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in muted colors, conceptually representing the complex roster decisions facing the Saints.The Saints' quarterback dilemma ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft could lead to a major roster shakeup in New Orleans.New Orleans Today

The New Orleans Saints enter the 2026 NFL Draft with several intriguing options, including their own quarterback Spencer Rattler. Rattler, who threw for over 1,500 yards last season, is expected to draw trade interest from other teams looking to acquire a young passer with upside.

Why it matters

The Saints have a decision to make on Rattler's future, as they could keep him as their QB1 or look to trade him for additional draft capital and build around a different signal-caller. Rattler's trade value will be a key storyline leading up to and during the draft as teams assess their quarterback needs.

The details

Rattler, a former five-star recruit, had an up-and-down 2025 season with the Saints, throwing for 1,586 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. While not putting up elite numbers, he showed flashes of the potential that made him a top prospect coming out of college. With the Saints holding the 8th overall pick, they could look to target a top defensive player or wide receiver to complement their offense, potentially making Rattler expendable.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 24-26, 2026.

The players

Spencer Rattler

The New Orleans Saints' quarterback who threw for over 1,500 yards in 2025 and is expected to draw trade interest ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.

New Orleans Saints

The NFL team that holds the 8th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and will have to decide whether to keep or trade their current starting quarterback Spencer Rattler.

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What they’re saying

“Rattler has the talent to be a starting quarterback in this league, and with the Saints potentially looking to add other pieces, he could be an intriguing trade target for teams needing a young QB with upside.”

— NFL Analyst

What’s next

The Saints will have to weigh their options with Rattler leading up to and during the 2026 NFL Draft, as they decide whether to keep him as their starter or look to trade him for additional draft capital.

The takeaway

The Saints' decision on Rattler's future will be a key storyline to follow in the lead-up to the 2026 NFL Draft, as his trade value could significantly impact New Orleans' ability to build a contending roster around a new quarterback or other key positions.