Saints’ Derek Carr Faces Uncertain Future Due to Shoulder Injury

NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Saints are facing a critical quarterback dilemma as Derek Carr deals with a concerning shoulder injury that could jeopardize his availability for the upcoming 2025 season. Reports from NFL Network‘s Ian Rapoport indicate that Carr is contemplating his options, which may include surgery.

The nature and cause of Carr’s injury remain unclear, but it emerges after a challenging 2024 season in which he missed seven games, concluding with a fractured non-throwing hand. As the Saints prepare for the NFL Draft, the uncertainty surrounding Carr adds pressure to their decision-making process, particularly with the No. 9 overall pick.

Should Carr’s injury be deemed significant, the Saints might need to explore replacement options, which could include drafting a young quarterback such as Colorado‘s Shedeur Sanders or Ole Miss‘ Jaxson Dart. With Spencer Rattler, Jake Haener, and Ben DiNucci the only quarterbacks currently available behind Carr, the team faces challenges regardless of its draft strategy.

Under the constraints of Carr’s four-year, $150 million contract, the Saints restructured his deal earlier this year, freeing up $30.9 million in cap space. That maneuver could leave the team in a precarious financial situation if they find themselves paying a hefty sum to a player who may not take the field.

Fans and analysts alike are speculating on the implications of Carr’s injury. Some suggest that it raises the likelihood of the Saints drafting a quarterback at No. 9, potentially prompting other teams to strategize around their pick. As one source noted, “The more time that passes, the clearer it becomes that the Saints must consider all options at quarterback.”

Rapoport’s report highlights the urgency for the Saints to determine their path forward. Currently, if the outcome of Carr’s situation leads to surgery, there’s no indication yet on a timeline for his recovery.

The upcoming days will be pivotal, not only for Carr as he weighs his medical options but also for the Saints as they navigate a crucial period in franchise history. As the NFL Draft approaches, the Saints will need to decide if they are prepared to invest in a new quarterback or stick with the current roster, a decision that could significantly shape their season.

As speculation grows, Carr’s situation remains fluid. The Saints’ ability to secure a strong quarterback will likely define their strategy moving forward, potentially impacting their standing in the competitive NFC South.