New Orleans Saints are still pursuing their pattern of flexibility in the roster as they officially added free-agent quarterback Hunter Dekkers to the practice squad on Saturday, September 13. The transaction is another chapter to the rough start of Dekkers in the NFL, his seventh transaction since becoming part of the franchise as an undrafted free agent after the 2025 draft.
#Saints are signing QBs Jake Haener and Hunter Dekkers to their practice squad.
— Ross Jackson (@RossJacksonNOLA) September 9, 2025
Hunter Dekkers’ Unique Journey
Dekkers, who is 24, was the heir to Brock Purdy at Iowa State before an NCAA sports gambling probe derailed his college career. In 2024, he made a move to Iowa Western, where he had impressive statistics, with 3806 passing yards, 32 TDs, and a 64.1 completion rate in 13 games after losing his eligibility in 2023. His determination paid off when the Saints brought him in for camp, intrigued by his arm talent and production at the JUCO level.
Iowa State quarterback Hunter Dekkers sidearms a pass in the fourth quarter against West Virginia during an NCAA football game at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022.
Saints’ Quarterback Landscape
Dekkers joins a Saints QB room led by Spencer Rattler, with Tyler Shough as backup, and Jake Haener also on the practice squad. The rate of roster churn has been high, with Dekkers and Haener being signed, released, and re-signed again because of different circumstances. This is an indication of a previous season, such as in the case of J.T. Barrett, who had 23 different transactions with the Saints in a year. The approach of the franchise enables the developmental quarterbacks to master the system and be elevated to the active roster, in case of injury or strategic change.
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Jun 10, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough (6) and quarterback Spencer Rattler (2) and quarterback Hunter Dekkers (18) take a water break during minicamp at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
What Dekkers Offers
Although he won’t see action right away, Dekkers will add more depth, along with a new look to the practices of the Saints’ scout team and QBs. His mobility and his strong arm create an added layer in practice situations and conditions the team to different types of opposing quarterback styles.
In the meantime, Hunter Dekkers is seeking to establish a professional foothold in New Orleans, and he is willing to take advantage of any opportunity that presents itself as the season progresses. The Saints fans should keep an eye out when it comes to Dekkers. He could make his mark if called upon this season.
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Jul 28, 2025; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Hunter Dekkers (18) looks on at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images