Dec 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) walks off the field after field after an injury during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images On Friday afternoon, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr is uncertain for the 2025–26 season due to a shoulder injury.
The injury threatens his availability for the season, and Carr is weighing his options — including the possibility of surgery.
The Saints hired Kellen Moore as their new head coach after the former Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator helped lead the team to a Super Bowl title. If we gave him truth serum, Moore would probably like to move on from Carr, 34, and find his quarterback of the future to build around in New Orleans.
The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported that Carr’s injury didn’t come as a surprise to the Saints. Still, he carries a cap hit of $20.4 million in 2025. Here’s how New Orleans could pivot:
1. Draft Shedeur Sanders
Dec 28, 2024; San Antonio, TX, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) warms up before the game against the Brigham Young Cougars at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images For some unknown reason, it feels like Shedeur Sanders’ draft stock is slipping — especially after he met with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who hold the No. 21 overall pick, earlier this week.
Quarterback is the most coveted position in sports. Unless you have a young, premium, blue-chip quarterback, your team likely isn’t going anywhere. Because of this, Sanders probably won’t fall out of the top 10, and the Saints should take him at No. 9 overall, following the Denver Broncos’ blueprint of moving off an aging, expensive quarterback by drafting one on a rookie deal.
Deion Sanders had a cryptic post on Friday afternoon about the No. 9 overall pick, entertaining the fact that his son could very well wind up in that spot.
While Sanders isn’t Jalen Hurts, Moore’s offensive creativity could ease the transition for the rookie as he looks to translate what worked at Colorado and Jackson State to the NFL.
If a team before the Saints, like the Cleveland Browns, decide to draft Sanders, NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay suggested the Saints as a landing spot for Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart.
2. Go Get Aaron Rodgers
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) throws his 500th career touchdown pass in the second quarter of the game against the Miami Dolphins on Jan. 5, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J.PHOTO USA TODAY SPORTS IMAGES For some other unknown reason, it really feels like Aaron Rodgers just doesn’t want to go to the Steelers.
He’s held them hostage for over a month. Reports suggest Rodgers wanted to wait and see if the Minnesota Vikings would express interest, but that doesn’t appear to be happening.
If we’re being honest, Pittsburgh and Minnesota have more talented rosters than New Orleans. But if the Saints aren’t in love with any of the rookie quarterbacks at No. 9, signing Rodgers in free agency could buy Moore and general manager Mickey Loomis time to plan for their quarterback of the future.
3. Sign Carson Wentz in Free Agency
Jan 7, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Carson Wentz (11) after the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. credits: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports Carson Wentz had been linked to the Browns, who instead opted to reunite with 40-year-old quarterback Joe Flacco on Friday.
Wentz spent last season with the Kansas City Chiefs — his fifth team in five seasons — and has faded into NFL obscurity. But if better options don’t materialize, the Saints could make a desperation move, à la Andy Dalton, and bring in Wentz as a bridge quarterback.
4. Bring Ryan Tannehill to New Orleans
Ryan Tannehill (17) and Malik Willis. source: Getty Images Ryan Tannehill didn’t play last season, despite being the best free agent quarterback available for much of the year.
The Tennessee Titans dumped him for Mason Rudolph and Will Levis, a move that helped them land the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft.
It’s hard to believe Tannehill is already 36, but he’s played more consistent football than someone like Wentz. We’re really searching for silver linings here.
5. Just Let Spencer Rattler Play
Dec 15, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler (18) scrambles against Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne (94) during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images The Saints selected Spencer Rattler in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He was the next quarterback off the board after the Broncos drafted Bo Nix in the middle of the first round.
When Carr was sidelined last season, Rattler started six games for New Orleans. The Saints lost every one of those games. He completed just 57 percent of his passes and threw five interceptions to four touchdowns.
Letting Rattler start 17 games would all but guarantee the Saints a shot at drafting Arch Manning — or whoever ends up being the No. 1 quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Saints have ignored rebuilding the quarterback position since Drew Brees retired. It might be time.
