Saints might want ‘short leash’ on Derek Carr thanks to Spencer Rattler, says NFL analyst

Do the New Orleans Saints have a quarterback competition on their hands?

Maybe not, but fifth-round rookie Spencer Rattler is suddenly making things interesting—and Derek Carr’s quiet preseason isn’t helping.

That combination of factors has an antsy Saints fanbase buzzing and national analysts like Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon shining a spotlight on the situation when asked to name the very top thoughts for all 32 teams in the league:

“I've been doing this long enough to know not to overreact to action from the second half of a Week 1 preseason game, but I at least want to see more of Spencer Rattler. If the rookie fifth-round pick can keep flashing, the Saints seriously need to consider a short leash on Derek Carr in what is likely a make-or-break season.”

Rattler forced this conversation in his preseason debut, building upon a strong training camp by completing nine of his 17 attempts for 70 yards and running for a touchdown in a win over Arizona. Before he got in the game, Carr completed just two of his six attempts.

The Saints paid huge cash for Carr who, despite the muted fan response right now, completed 68.4 percent of his passes with 25 touchdowns last year while leading the team to a winning record.

Even so, the Saints also file as a rebuilding franchise, so if there’s a midseason opportunity to let a rookie passer develop into a possible long-term solution, the team might take it, provided head coach Dennis Allen permits it.

MORE SAINTS NEWS

New Orleans Saints surprisingly named trade fit for All-Pro defender

New Orleans Saints should list former 1st-round pick on trade block, says NFL analyst

Saints training camp is creating serious concerns about Trevor Penning

Ex-NFL QB has seen enough to declare the Saints as league's worst team in 2024