A Rocky Start at Oklahoma
Spencer Rattler’s journey with the Oklahoma Sooners was a tale of highs and lows. Initially, he burst onto the scene with a brilliant start, showcasing his dynamic abilities and quickly becoming one of the most promising quarterbacks in college football. However, his tenure took an unexpected turn when he was benched in his second full season as the starting quarterback. This setback ultimately led Rattler to transfer to South Carolina, where he hoped to revitalize his career. Despite the challenges, Rattler remained a player of immense potential, a fact that was recognized by NFL scouts and teams alike.
A Leap to the Pros
Rattler’s potential did not go unnoticed, as the New Orleans Saints selected him in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. The 24-year-old quickly found himself thrust into action during his rookie season, filling in for an injured Derek Carr. Over the course of seven games, with six starts, Rattler showed flashes of the talent that had once made him a highly sought-after prospect. However, his debut professional season was largely uninspiring, with four touchdowns and five interceptions. Despite these mixed results, Rattler still holds a lot of promise, and his performance, while not stellar, was enough to keep the Saints interested in his development.
The Future in New Orleans
With Derek Carr’s future in New Orleans uncertain, the possibility of Rattler stepping up as the Saints’ next starting quarterback is a topic of significant discussion. John Sigler of Saints Wire, however, suggests that Rattler might not be the long-term answer for the team. Sigler posits that the Saints might have other young quarterbacks in mind, or that Rattler could be a valuable trade piece for other teams. The idea of Rattler moving to a different team, perhaps even joining Klint Kubiak in Seattle, is a plausible scenario. The upcoming NFL Draft could also play a role in Rattler’s future, with the Saints potentially considering a move to select a new quarterback like Shedeur Sanders. However, given that the Saints are picking ninth overall, making such a move would be challenging.
The Case for Patience
While the Saints have options and could explore trades or drafts, the case for giving Rattler more time is compelling. Rattler’s talent is evident, and his rookie season, while not without its flaws, provides a foundation for growth. Many in the football community believe that Rattler deserves another chance to prove himself. The transition from college to the NFL is always challenging, and young quarterbacks often need time to adapt and develop. The Saints would do well to provide Rattler with the necessary support and opportunities to reach his full potential.
The NFL Landscape
The NFL is a league that places a premium on quarterback talent, and the market for proven or promising signal-callers is always competitive. Teams are constantly on the lookout for the next great quarterback, and Rattler’s potential makes him a valuable asset. Whether the Saints decide to keep him, trade him, or draft a new prospect will depend on a variety of factors, including team needs, draft picks, and trade opportunities. The coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining Rattler’s future, and the decisions made will have significant implications for both the Saints and Rattler’s career.
Looking Ahead
As the NFL offseason progresses, the spotlight will remain on Spencer Rattler. Whether he stays with the Saints, finds a new home, or gets a chance to start, one thing is clear: Rattler’s journey is far from over. His talent and potential continue to make him an intriguing player, and his next steps will be watched closely by fans and analysts alike. For now, the best course of action for the Saints and Rattler might be to take a patient and calculated approach, ensuring that they make the best possible decision for both the team and the player. The future may be uncertain, but the potential for success remains high.
