Saints cut quarterback amid battle between Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener

The NFL season is getting closer and closer to kicking off. Hence, the New Orleans Saints have to make decisions on their roster. Mainly, we’re talking about the quarterback situation, as they have three main names battling to be the starting signal-caller. Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener return for a second year with the team and rookie Tyler Shough enters the fray to become the new face of the franchise.

However, there was another name on the depth chart, but the Saints made the decision to part ways with him. Hunter Dekkers was cut from the team as he wasn’t able to insert himself in the QB battle.

Dekkers signed with the Saints in May. He was part of the team’s rookie minicamp. This means the only three quarterbacks on the depth chart are Shough, Rattler and Haener.

Dekkers was cut to make room for others

Dekkers, who played for Iowa State in College, led the Big 12 last year in completion percentage (66.1%) and pass attempts. However, he also led the conference in interceptions with 14.

Quarterback Hunter Dekkers #12 of the Iowa State Cyclones looks to throw against the TCU Horned Frogs at Amon G. Carter Stadium on November 26, 2022 in Fort Worth, Texas.

By him getting cut, the Saints made room to make another roster move. The team signed punter Kai Kroeger in a corresponding move. Kroeger was with the Jets after being an undrafed free agent, but was cut earlier this month. The Saints saw the opportunity to grab him and didn’t stutter.

see also

Tyler Shough receives eye-opening warning from Saints teammate ahead of rookie NFL season

So what happens with the Saints’ quarterback battle?

As of now, it’s rookie Tyler Shough the one posted as QB1 on the depth chart. However, the latest reports say it’s an open battle still. Haener was the one who looked the worst in 2024 compared to Spencer Rattler.

However, Rattler was not blowing minds away. He showed he still has lots to improve in terms of reading defenses, being able to go through his progressions fast enough and decision-making. This is not a stacked QB depth chart by any means, but the Saints are trying to do the most of what they have.