“What’s This Former JUCO Record-Breaker Doing in New Orleans? The Saints Just Made a Bold QB Move Fans Didn’t See Coming”
NEW ORLEANS, LA — The New Orleans Saints are shaking up their quarterback room with a quiet but intriguing move that could have long-term ripple effects.
On Wednesday afternoon, Saints Executive Vice President and General Manager Mickey Loomis announced that the team has signed quarterback Hunter Dekkers, a former Iowa State starter and recent standout at Iowa Western. In a corresponding roster move, punter Matthew Hayball was waived.
While this may not register as a blockbuster deal on the surface, those who’ve followed Dekkers’ unorthodox journey know this isn’t just another camp body.
🔥 A Record-Breaking Resume
Hunter Dekkers is no stranger to the spotlight. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 225 pounds, the left-handed gunslinger originally turned heads at Iowa State, where he started in 2022 and led the Big 12 in completion percentage (66.1%). That season, he racked up 3,044 yards and 19 touchdowns, earning All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors. But off-the-field issues and injuries caused his stock to slip — until he re-emerged at Iowa Western in 2024 with something to prove.
And prove it he did.
Dekkers completed 288 of 449 passes for 3,806 yards and 32 touchdowns, setting a school record while leading the Reivers to a #2 national ranking in the NJCAA. His play earned national praise for both efficiency and explosiveness — rare qualities for a player rebuilding his career.
🏈 Why the Saints Made This Move
Dekkers had previously attended the Saints’ rookie minicamp, where insiders say he quietly impressed coaches with his poise, footwork, and arm strength. Though he wasn’t signed immediately, the front office clearly kept him on their radar.
Now, with preseason looming and depth chart battles heating up, the Saints are bringing him back — and giving him a shot to compete.
“Hunter has worked hard to stay prepared,” one team source shared. “He’s smart, has a quick release, and processes the game fast. He’s earned this chance.”
While he’s not expected to immediately challenge for the QB1 or QB2 spot, Dekkers could be a strong candidate for the practice squad or a developmental role — especially with the league’s renewed emphasis on grooming young quarterbacks under the new third-QB rule.
👀 Fans React
Reactions to the signing were mixed at first, with some fans wondering if this was merely a training camp depth move. But others — especially those familiar with Dekkers’ NJCAA resurgence — were excited.
“Don’t sleep on this guy,” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Hunter Dekkers has a cannon and something to prove. That’s a dangerous combo.”
📅 What’s Next
The Saints are set to begin preseason play soon, and eyes will be on how Dekkers fares in team drills and any potential in-game reps. With a physical profile built for the NFL and a comeback story fit for a movie script, he’s certainly someone to watch.
Whether this opportunity becomes a footnote or a future franchise moment remains to be seen — but one thing’s for sure:
Hunter Dekkers isn’t just here to fill a spot. He’s here to compete.
