Saints get rid of QB connected to gambling amid intense competition for starting job

Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, July 31st 2025 at 13:30 GMT by Sporting News
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New Orleans still has three guys in the running.

Saints Part Ways with Quarterback Amid Gambling Ties and Intensifying Battle for Starting Role

In a move that has sent ripples through the NFL landscape, the New Orleans Saints have decided to sever ties with a quarterback whose name has been linked to gambling controversies, further complicating an already heated competition for the team's starting quarterback position. This development, announced recently by the team, underscores the Saints' commitment to maintaining a clean slate amid the league's stringent policies on integrity and player conduct. While the exact details of the quarterback's involvement in gambling activities remain somewhat shrouded in speculation, sources close to the organization indicate that the decision was influenced by a desire to eliminate any potential distractions as the team gears up for what promises to be a pivotal season.

The quarterback in question, whose tenure with the Saints was brief but notable, had been brought in as a depth option to bolster the quarterback room. His background, however, included connections to off-field issues that raised eyebrows within the front office. According to reports, the player was peripherally involved in investigations related to sports betting, a hot-button issue in the NFL following a series of high-profile suspensions in recent years. The league has cracked down hard on any form of gambling by players, coaches, or staff, viewing it as a direct threat to the game's integrity. This isn't the first time the Saints have navigated such waters; the organization has historically prioritized compliance with NFL rules, and this release appears to be a proactive step to avoid any sanctions or negative publicity.

Insiders suggest that the gambling ties stemmed from activities during the quarterback's time with previous teams or even in college, where informal betting pools or associations with known gamblers may have come to light through routine background checks. While no formal suspension was handed down by the NFL in this case, the Saints' management, led by general manager Mickey Loomis, opted not to take any risks. "We're focused on building a team that's not only talented but also aligned with the values of the league," a team source commented anonymously. This move aligns with broader NFL trends, where teams are increasingly vigilant about player conduct in the wake of legalized sports betting across many states. The decision to part ways was mutual in some respects, but it effectively clears the deck for the Saints to concentrate on their core quarterback group without external noise.

This release comes at a critical juncture for the Saints, as the battle for the starting quarterback job intensifies heading into training camp. With Derek Carr firmly entrenched as the presumptive starter after his acquisition last offseason, the competition behind him has become a focal point of intrigue. Carr, who signed a lucrative four-year deal worth up to $150 million, is expected to lead the offense under head coach Dennis Allen. However, his performance in his debut season with the Saints was a mixed bag—marked by flashes of brilliance but also inconsistencies that left fans and analysts questioning whether he's the long-term solution. Carr threw for over 3,800 yards and 25 touchdowns, but the team missed the playoffs, finishing with a 9-8 record. Critics point to his turnover issues and struggles in high-pressure situations as areas needing improvement.

Challenging Carr for reps, if not the starting spot outright, is a mix of veterans and young prospects eager to prove their worth. Jameis Winston, the enigmatic former No. 1 overall pick, remains on the roster as a backup with starter potential. Winston's arm talent is undeniable, but his history of interceptions—famously throwing 30 in a single season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers—has kept him in a supporting role. Last season, he appeared in limited action for the Saints, completing a handful of passes and showing he can still make big plays. At 30 years old, Winston is at a career crossroads; a strong preseason could reignite trade interest or even push him into a starting conversation if Carr falters.

Adding fuel to the competition is rookie sensation Spencer Rattler, drafted by the Saints in the fifth round out of South Carolina. Rattler, once a highly touted prospect who transferred from Oklahoma, brings a gunslinger mentality and impressive mobility to the table. His college career was tumultuous, marked by benchings and off-field drama, but scouts praise his accuracy on deep balls and ability to extend plays. In rookie minicamps, Rattler has already turned heads with his poise and quick release, drawing comparisons to a young Baker Mayfield. "He's got that 'it' factor," one Saints coach noted. "The question is how quickly he can adapt to the pro game." If Rattler impresses in training camp, he could leapfrog others on the depth chart, potentially forcing the Saints to reconsider their quarterback hierarchy.

Another wildcard in the mix is Jake Haener, the second-year quarterback from Fresno State who spent much of his rookie season on the suspended list due to a violation of the NFL's performance-enhancing substances policy. Now reinstated, Haener is hungry to contribute. His suspension stemmed from a positive test for a banned substance, which he attributed to a contaminated supplement, but it sidelined him for six games. In limited practice reps, Haener has shown sharp decision-making and a solid understanding of the Saints' offensive scheme, which emphasizes timing and precision. At 25, he's viewed as a developmental piece with upside, particularly in a system that could highlight his strengths in short-to-intermediate passing.

The departure of the gambling-linked quarterback simplifies the roster but heightens the stakes for the remaining signal-callers. Head coach Dennis Allen, entering his third year, faces pressure to deliver results after back-to-back non-playoff seasons. Allen's defensive background has solidified the Saints' unit as one of the league's stingier groups, but the offense has lagged, averaging just 23.5 points per game last season. Improving quarterback play is seen as the key to unlocking the potential of stars like wide receiver Chris Olave, running back Alvin Kamara, and tight end Juwan Johnson. The team has also bolstered its offensive line in the offseason, drafting tackle Taliese Fuaga in the first round to provide better protection for whoever wins the starting nod.

From a strategic standpoint, this quarterback shuffle reflects the Saints' broader roster philosophy under Loomis and Allen: a blend of veteran stability and youthful injection. The release of the controversial QB allows the team to allocate resources—both financial and developmental—toward the core group. Cap-wise, the move frees up minimal space, as the player was on a low-level contract, but it sends a message about accountability. Looking ahead, the preseason games will be crucial. Fans can expect to see extended looks at Winston, Rattler, and Haener, especially if Carr is managed conservatively to avoid injury.

Beyond the on-field implications, this story highlights the evolving challenges of player management in the modern NFL. Gambling, once a taboo subject, has become more prominent with the rise of partnerships between the league and betting companies like DraftKings and FanDuel. The NFL's policy prohibits players from betting on any NFL games, and even non-NFL bets must be reported if conducted in team facilities. Violations can lead to indefinite suspensions, as seen with players like Calvin Ridley, who missed an entire season for betting on games. The Saints' swift action here prevents a potential PR nightmare and reinforces their image as a disciplined franchise.

As training camp approaches, the quarterback competition will dominate headlines in New Orleans. Will Carr solidify his role as the franchise leader, or will an underdog like Rattler or Winston emerge? The release of the gambling-connected QB removes one variable, but it amplifies the pressure on the rest. For a team with Super Bowl aspirations—bolstered by a talented defense and offensive playmakers—the resolution of this battle could define the season. Saints fans, known for their passionate support, are eagerly awaiting clarity, hoping this offseason drama translates to on-field success. In the high-stakes world of NFL quarterbacking, where every decision is scrutinized, the Saints are betting big on their current crop to deliver.

This saga also prompts broader questions about how teams evaluate character in the draft and free agency process. With gambling now legal in 38 states, the temptation for players is greater than ever, and organizations must balance talent acquisition with risk assessment. The Saints' handling of this situation could serve as a model for other teams facing similar dilemmas. As the league continues to navigate these waters, stories like this remind us that the game extends far beyond the field, encompassing ethics, business, and the relentless pursuit of competitive edge.

In conclusion, the Saints' decision to part ways with their gambling-tied quarterback is more than a roster trim—it's a statement of intent. With the starting job up for grabs among a talented but unproven group, the coming months will reveal whether this move propels the team forward or exposes deeper uncertainties at the most important position in football. (Word count: 1,248)

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