Saints News Network

Saints Predicted To Trade Spencer Rattler For $180 Million Rival

The Saints may end up being the perfect landing spot for Kirk Cousins this season.
Zach Pressnell|
Jan 5, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler (18) drops back to pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Jan 5, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler (18) drops back to pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

In this story:

Atlanta FalconsNew Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints have a massive problem at quarterback. Once Derek Carr entered shocking retirement, the Saints were left with Jake Haener, Spencer Rattler, and second round pick Tyler Shough as the top three signal callers on the team.

This gives New Orleans the worst quarterback room in football and it's not particularly close.

New Orleans could turn to one of its biggest rivals to fill the hole at quarterback.

Bleacher Report's Alex Kay recently predicted the Saints would trade Rattler, 2026 fifth-round pick, and a 2027 sixth-round pick to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins.

"If the Saints are going to spring Cousins free, they’ll likely need to take on a large portion of his guaranteed money," Kay wrote. "For an organization with just $29 million in available funds, such a move is far easier said than done. It's especially tricky given Cousins represents a major upgrade to one of Atlanta’s division rivals.

"Still, the Saints could find a way to orchestrate a deal and instantly elevate themselves into contention. If they offer the right mix of financial benefits, draft capital and a replacement backup, the Falcons could ship Cousins to New Orleans to finish out his career."

The idea of this trade makes a lot of sense, but it's always complicated when you're trading with a division opponent, especially at the quarterback position. If the Falcons trade Cousins to the Saints and the veteran comes back to dominate Atlanta, they'll be left kicking themselves in the behind.

But the Saints aren't just a quarterback away from a Super Bowl. Cousins would make them a lot better, potentially moving them out of last place in the NFC, but it's hard to imagine this trade haunting the Falcons. It seems to make sense for both sides.

More NFL: Potential Tyler Shough Replacement Spotted At Saints Minicamp

Published
Zach Pressnell
ZACH PRESSNELL

Zach Pressnell has experience covering all major US sports at both the professional and collegiate levels. He’s produced content for FanSided, Blog Red Machine, The Game Haus, Bethany College Athletics and the Bethany College online newspaper, He graduated from Bethany College (WV) with a degree in Communications and Media Arts, specializing in Sports Journalism. Pressnell was also a four-year member of the baseball team where he earned himself All-PAC recognition as a pitcher (and a cool Tommy John surgery scar). Now, Pressnell specializes in NFL and MLB coverage for Sports Illustrated’s “On SI” network among others. For all business/marketing inquiries, reach out to Scott Neville: scott@wtfsports.org

Share on XFollow zpretzel
Home/News