Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
Every offseason, there are underdog players that find their way onto NFL rosters. Looking over the current group of New Orleans Saints players, there are some that meet the underdog criteria, looking to be the next surprise competitors to land a role in the Big Easy.
Sometimes those roles come as consistent contributors, other times as depth pieces or practice squad players, but in every case, they’re valuable opportunities for those who earn them.
While a starting quarterback battle is under way, so too is the competition to be the team’s third passer on the roster.
Quarterback Hunter Dekkers
Signed after trying out with the team at rookie minicamp, Dekkers has been impressive when his opportunities have come. The young lefty is the only quarterback not named Tyler Shough or Spencer Rattler to throw passes in front of the media at OTAs and mandatory minicamp. That’s expected to change as training camp rolls along and third-year passer Jake Haener is able to participate after suffering an oblique injury that’s sidelined him thus far.
Dekkers was trending up during his collegiate years at Iowa State before an underaged gambling controversy led to the quarterback being banned from NCAA play, along with numerous others who plead guilty to the charges. Since then, he enrolled in Iowa Western Community College where he lit it up and now has a chance in the pros after landing with the Saints.
The Battle To Back Up
The Saints are more than likely to make their decision about the starting quarterback between Shough and Rattler as training camp and the preseason advance in the coming months. But that doesn’t leave Dekkers without something for which to battle.
The NFL allows teams to keep a third quarterback on their practice squad who can be designated an emergency quarterback, allowing them to suit up for gameday and be relied upon in case injury strikes the top two passers.
Typically, the Saints don’t always use the option because they have often rostered three quarterbacks (though an inactive can be designated) and have always had tight end Taysom Hill to rely upon as an emergency option as well. But with a new coaching staff and no guarantees that Hill will be ready to start the season after a significant December knee injury, the spot on the roster behind Rattler and Shough is perhaps at its most important in New Orleans.
Dekkers and Haener could be set to duke it out for this role if Dekkers continues to impress, as he has behind the scenes, and should Haener not surprise in his pursuit of the starting job.
Dekkers’s Resume
During his time at Iowa State, Dekkers spent his early days as the backup to now-San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy. Once Purdy moved on to the league, Dekkers stepped in as the new Cyclones starter.
In 2022, he threw for 3,044 passing yards, 19 passing touchdowns and 14 interceptions while completing 66.1% of his passes, the best completion percentage in the Big 12 that year.
After landing with Iowa Western, he put on a show in his return to football in 2024. The 6-foot-1, 207 pound Hawarden, Iowa native completed 64.1% of his passes for 3,806 passing yards, 32 passing touchdowns, and just 10 interceptions.
Looking for a sleeper QB prospect in this draft class?
Hunter Dekkers (Ex-Iowa St) is a strong-armed lefty with legit draftable love around the league.
He led Iowa Western CC to the JUCO National Title Game tonight (and already has 2 TD tosses). pic.twitter.com/ZNIwTvKPeS
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) December 19, 2024
He piloted the Reivers to a No. 1 NJCAA ranking and a third-consecutive appearance in the NJCAA football championship game. The team, unfortunately, came up short against Hutchinson community college, foiling Iowa Western’s chance at a three-peat after winning titles in 2022 and 2023. Dekkers finished the championship game completing 29 of his 51 passes for 412 passing yards and a pair of touchdown completions.
Why Dekkers Has A Shot
Dekkers is a relentless player that is on the right track. His showing during rookie minicamps leading him to this opportunity can’t be understated. Moore and the coaching staff clearly think highly of the young quarterback, which speaks volumes about the belief they have in his potential.
His biggest competition to remain on the roster is Haener, who was drafted three seasons ago by a different coaching staff and has been followed up by two new passers in each of the following drafts. Dekkers has appeal as the new piece with exciting potential. But it will all come down to training camp performances, an area where Haener and his experience will have the edge. Dekkers has a hill to climb, but also has the tenacity necessary to conquer it.
