The New Orleans Saints have signed a new quarterback in the wake of Derek Carr’s surprising retirement.
The Saints announced on Tuesday that they have signed undrafted free agent Hunter Dekkers. Dekkers had been with the team during their rookie minicamp, and they signed him once a roster spot opened up thanks to Carr’s retirement.
Welcome QB @hunterdekkers to the #Saints! pic.twitter.com/Kzuw3Y6qkI
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) May 13, 2025
A Saints helmet on the bench
Nov 5, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the New Orleans Saints helmet on the team bench against the Chicago Bears during the first half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Dekkers took Iowa Western to the junior college national championship game last season. He passed for 3,806 yards and 32 touchdowns while leading the Reivers to an 11-2 record.
Dekkers is probably best known to fans for infamous reasons. He faced criminal charges in 2023 for placing sports wagers while playing for Iowa State’s football team. He was accused of betting on his own team’s games.
Dekkers served as Brock Purdy’s backup at Iowa State before becoming the starter for the 2022 season. He passed for 3,044 yards, 19 touchdowns and 14 interceptions as the Cyclones went 4-8 that year. Dekkers sat out the 2023 season and then played at Iowa Western in 2024.
The Saints’ quarterback depth chart now includes: Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler, Jake Haener and Dekkers. The team selected Shough in the second round of April’s NFL draft, likely with plans of having him be their starter in 2025.