The Saints are in dire need of a quarterback. Derek Carr is reportedly experiencing a shoulder injury that may affect his ability to play in the 2025 season, leaving uncertainty around his availability when the season kicks off.
There’s a possibility that Carr may require surgery on his shoulder, but no decision has been made yet. The Saints had to utilize three different starting quarterbacks throughout Carr’s injury-plagued 2024 season and would prefer stability at the position for the upcoming year.
If Carr is unable to participate in a significant portion of the season, the Saints will need to find a replacement quarterback. Currently, they have around $27 million in salary cap space, as noted by Over the Cap, which could influence their search for a new QB. The draft could be the most cost-effective route to securing a talented quarterback, so let’s explore their top options.
1. Draft a Quarterback
The Saints hold the ninth overall pick, putting them in contention to possibly select one of the top two quarterbacks in the draft. If the Titans pick Cam Ward first overall, that would open the possibility for the Saints to grab Shedeur Sanders. They would likely want to avoid trading up to a higher pick to jeopardize their future, but if Sanders falls out of the top three, it becomes more plausible to land him. Ideally, Sanders would simply drop to their ninth pick, as suggested in Jared Dubin’s latest mock draft on CBS Sports, which you can check here.
Should Sanders not be available, the Saints could consider waiting until Day 2 to select another quarterback like Jaxson Dart, Jalen Milroe, Quinn Ewers, or Kyle McCord.
2. Persuade Aaron Rodgers to Join
After being overlooked by the Vikings, Rodgers seemed to have limited options this year—either signing with the Steelers or retiring. However, the Saints could emerge as another option if they express interest. At 41, Rodgers would likely sign a short-term deal, which may not resolve their long-term QB situation but could make the Saints competitive in the NFC South.
New Orleans is positioned in a less challenging division compared to the AFC North, which features two top Super Bowl contenders, the Ravens and Bengals. If Rodgers is aiming for a simpler path to the playoffs, the Saints might be appealing.
3. Sign a Veteran QB
Among the available free agent quarterbacks, options like Carson Wentz, Ryan Tannehill, and Tyler Huntley are on the market. While these players may not electrify fans, they could serve as stop-gap solutions if the Saints need someone to step in quickly.
4. Start Spencer Rattler
During his six starts last season, Rattler struggled, finishing with a 0-6 record, making him a less favorable option for a team aiming for a Super Bowl run this year. However, if the Saints decide it’s best to tank for a high pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, allowing Rattler to play could position them for a chance at high-profile prospects like ARCH MANNING next year. It would be poetic if the team that drafted Archie Manning in 1971 were to select his grandson 55 years later.
With Carr’s injury issues, the Saints have become one of the more intriguing teams to watch as the draft approaches.
