Who Should I Start? Baker Mayfield or Spencer Rattler

Thursday, April 3, 7:26 PM

Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have reworked quarterback Baker Mayfield's contract to free up cap space. The Bucs converted Mayfield's $30 million base salary to a roster bonus, freeing up nearly $15 million. The team also added a void year for proration purposes in 2029. Tampa Bay has been resourceful this offseason, moving money around for Mayfield in addition to offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. All in all, the Buccos saved $50.12 million over the next few seasons. It seems unlikely that the money moves are in anticipation of signing a big-ticket asset and more so for down the road. Mayfield is entering his third season with the squad and will look to build off his spectacular 2024.

Friday, May 23, 12:31 PM

The New Orleans Times-Picayune's Matthew Paras reports that New Orleans Saints second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler looked very comfortable during the team's OTA practice on Thursday, and you could tell that he has a year under his belt. Meanwhile, rookie second-rounder Tyler Shough was a little more hesitant, although he shined on a deep ball to receiver Rashid Shaheed down the sideline. Everyone is already expecting Shough to win the QB competition in New Orleans after the sudden retirement of Derek Carr this offseason, but the 24-year-old Rattler isn't going to go down with a fight in an open competition this spring and summer. Rattler completed just 57% of his passes for 1,317 yards, four touchdowns and five interceptions in seven games in 2024 as a rookie, but he has the experience edge and could get the nod if Shough isn't quite ready to start in Week 1 this fall.