New Orleans Saints Face Critical Quarterback Decision as Derek Carr’s Injury Forces Uncertainty for 2025 Season
April 14, 2025 – New Orleans, LA
The New Orleans Saints are facing an unexpected and challenging situation as they head into the 2025 NFL Draft with uncertainty surrounding their quarterback position. Derek Carr, the team’s starter for the past season, is set to miss the entirety of the 2025/2026 NFL season due to a serious shoulder injury sustained during the previous season. This development has forced the Saints’ front office and coaching staff to rethink their strategy and evaluate their options in an increasingly competitive NFC South division.
Derek Carr’s Injury: A Setback for the Saints
The 34-year-old quarterback’s injury, which was initially downplayed as a minor issue, has turned out to be much more serious than originally expected. Despite having several months to recover in the offseason, it has now been confirmed that Carr will be sidelined for the entirety of the 2025/2026 season. This news was first reported by NFL insider Ian Rapoport, who revealed that Carr might require surgery to address the injury properly.
Rapoport suggested that the injury could be related to either a labral tear or an AC joint issue, although specifics have yet to be confirmed. He noted that if surgery is required, Carr’s recovery timeline could extend well into next year, leaving the Saints with no clear answer at quarterback for the foreseeable future.
“Huge news leading up to the draft for the Saints,” Rapoport tweeted. “Weighing options, including surgery, makes me think of a labral or AC injury, but no actual details have been released yet. If surgery isn’t warranted, I would think Derek Carr would be ready for the 2025 season. Now we wait.”
Carr’s absence is a significant blow to the Saints, who were hoping to build upon a season that ended with a disappointing 5-12 record. While Carr’s performance was inconsistent last year, the team had hoped that he would improve with another offseason under his belt. Now, the Saints must pivot and find a new solution at quarterback in the lead-up to the 2025 season.
Kellen Moore’s First Major Test as Head Coach
Kellen Moore, the Saints’ newly appointed head coach, now finds himself in a precarious position. Tasked with leading the team in his first year at the helm, Moore must navigate the difficult task of finding a replacement for Carr. With the Saints’ roster already in a rebuilding phase, Moore’s ability to make the right decision at quarterback could define his tenure in New Orleans.
While Moore is no stranger to high-pressure situations, this decision may be one of his most consequential yet. The Saints, who have historically had success with Hall of Fame quarterbacks like Drew Brees, are now faced with the reality of potentially starting over with a new signal-caller. With the NFC South wide open, the Saints must act quickly if they are to remain competitive in the division.
Who Will the Saints Turn To?
The most obvious question for Saints fans and the NFL community at large is: who will New Orleans target to replace Carr for the 2025 season? While there are several options available, the Saints’ decision will be a delicate balancing act between finding an immediate solution and securing long-term stability at the quarterback position.
Option 1: Aaron Rodgers
The most high-profile option on the market is future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers. After a tumultuous stint with the New York Jets, Rodgers is now a free agent and reportedly looking for a new home. While his performance with the Jets was underwhelming, Rodgers still has a wealth of experience, having won four MVP awards and a Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers.
Rodgers’ ability to lead a team in clutch moments and his vast experience could be invaluable for the Saints in the short term, as they look to remain competitive in the NFC South. However, Rodgers is 41 years old and his best days may be behind him. His injury history and declining performance could be a cause for concern, but it’s also possible that he could find a second wind in New Orleans with a solid supporting cast.
Rodgers’ name has been floated in rumors linking him to various teams, but the Saints are in a position to offer him an opportunity to start immediately and perhaps finish his career on a high note. If the Saints go down this route, it could provide them with a veteran presence to help stabilize the offense while also allowing the team to continue to build for the future.
Option 2: Shedeur Sanders – The New Generation of Quarterbacks
Another intriguing option for the Saints is Shedeur Sanders, the highly touted quarterback from the University of Colorado. Sanders, who has gained significant attention after an impressive college career, is seen as one of the top quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft class. While he is not viewed as an immediate superstar, Sanders possesses a unique skill set and a level of poise that could make him a solid starter for the Saints in the years to come.
Sanders’ ability to lead the Colorado Buffaloes to a successful season has only raised his stock as a future NFL quarterback. He has the physical tools, leadership qualities, and football IQ to succeed at the next level, and many see him as a project that could grow into a franchise quarterback over time. For the Saints, the appeal of Sanders is clear: he could be a solid bridge quarterback for the 2025 season, helping the team stay afloat while Carr recovers from his injury. Meanwhile, the team could continue to develop Sanders and prepare him for a larger role in the years ahead.
If the Saints choose to draft Sanders, they would be making a long-term investment in their future. This approach would allow the team to build around a young quarterback while also giving him the chance to learn from veterans and refine his skills. While he may not immediately be the solution the Saints need to compete in 2025, his upside could make him an appealing option for the future.
Option 3: Internal Options – Spencer Rattler, Jake Haener, and Ben DiNucci
If the Saints choose not to pursue Rodgers or Sanders, they could look to their own roster for a solution. The team currently has three quarterbacks on their depth chart: Spencer Rattler, Jake Haener, and Ben DiNucci. However, none of these players have proven themselves to be capable NFL starters.
Rattler, a former top recruit and transfer from Oklahoma, has shown flashes of talent but has yet to put together a complete season of high-level play. Haener, a former Fresno State standout, impressed during his college career but remains an unknown quantity at the professional level. DiNucci, who spent time with the Dallas Cowboys, has seen limited action in the NFL but has not demonstrated that he can lead a team to success.
Given the Saints’ lack of established depth at quarterback, it seems unlikely that they would hand the starting job to any of these players without further development or experience. The team may choose to keep these quarterbacks as backups or practice squad options, but they are unlikely to be the answer to the Saints’ quarterback dilemma in 2025.
Looking Ahead to the NFL Draft
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Saints have a difficult decision ahead of them. Do they take a chance on a high-profile free agent like Aaron Rodgers, or do they invest in the future with a young quarterback like Shedeur Sanders? The answer to this question will have far-reaching consequences for the franchise’s future success.
The Saints are at a crossroads, and their quarterback decision will shape the direction of the team for years to come. While the immediate future is uncertain, the Saints must act quickly and decisively to ensure that they can remain competitive in the NFC South and position themselves for success in the years ahead.
In the end, Kellen Moore and the Saints’ front office will need to weigh the risks and rewards of each option carefully. No matter which direction they choose, one thing is clear: the quarterback decision will be one of the most important in recent memory for the New Orleans Saints.
