Context:

The New Orleans Saints have signed undrafted free agent quarterback Hunter Dekkers, who became notable for a betting controversy during his college years. Dekkers, a left-handed thrower, impressed during the Saints' rookie minicamp despite his past NCAA eligibility loss due to a $15 bet on an Iowa State game. Following Derek Carr's unexpected retirement, the Saints are exploring all options for their quarterback lineup, which now includes Dekkers, second-round pick Tyler Hough, second-year player Spencer Rattler, and third-year quarterback Jake Haener. Dekkers, who had a notable college career at Iowa Western Community College with 3,86 passing yards and 32 touchdowns in 2024, aims to contribute to filling the gap left by the veteran Carr. The team is constructing a diverse group of quarterbacks to strengthen their roster and maintain competitiveness in the league after Carr's departure.

Dive Deeper:

• Hunter Dekkers, previously a standout quarterback at Iowa State, permanently lost his NCAA eligibility after placing a $15 bet on one of Iowa State's games, which led him to finish his college career at Iowa Western Community College.

• During his time at Iowa Western, Dekkers showcased his talent by throwing for 3,86 yards and achieving 32 touchdowns, which caught the attention of the New Orleans Saints despite his controversial past.

• The retirement of Derek Carr, an 11-year veteran, has left a significant gap in the Saints' quarterback lineup, prompting the team to explore a variety of options to strengthen their position.

• Dekkers joins a competitive quarterback depth chart in New Orleans, which includes Tyler Hough, a second-round draft pick, as well as second-year player Spencer Rattler and third-year quarterback Jake Haener.

• The Saints' decision to sign Dekkers highlights their commitment to leaving no stone unturned in their search for a capable replacement for Carr, as they aim to maintain their competitive edge in the NFL.

• Dekkers' opportunity with the Saints comes after he impressed during the team's rookie minicamp, demonstrating his potential to contribute effectively despite the challenges in his past.

• The Saints are assembling a motley crew of quarterbacks to address the void left by Carr, aiming to build a dynamic and versatile team capable of competing at a high level in the upcoming NFL season.

• The New Orleans Saints aren't leaving any quarterback stones unturned.

• They went to quite the odd place to find their latest QB signing.

• On Monday, Saints beat reporter Mike Triplett reported that the Saints are signing undrafted free agent QB Hunter Dekkers

• Dekkers is a left-handed thrower who shone at the team's rookie minicamp over the weekend.

• The former Iowa State standout lost his NCAA eligibility permanently after he bet $15 on one of ISU's games.

• Dekkers finished his college career at Iowa Western Community College.

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• At Iowa State, Dekkers had been the replacement for Brock Purdy. In 2022, he completed 66.1 percent of his passes.

• Back on the field in 2024 at Iowa Western, Dekkers threw for 3,86 yards with 32 touchdowns.

• Now, Dekkers will bring his past and his present to New Orleans.

• The Saints have a crowded QB depth chart after Carr's injuries and retirement. Second-round pick Tyler Hough is there, along with second-year passer Spencer Rattler and third-year QB Jake Haener.

• Together, they make for a motley crew of guys aiming to replace the 11-year veteran Carr following his surprise retirement.

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