Saints Face Quarterback Dilemma Amid Carr’s Injury and Draft Decisions

NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Saints are grappling with a quarterback crisis after Derek Carr‘s previously undisclosed shoulder injury surfaced just before the team’s voluntary offseason workout program began. The situation poses significant challenges as the NFL Draft approaches on April 24.

The severity of Carr’s injury remains unclear, and it is uncertain when the Saints became aware of the issue. Reports indicate that several assistant coaches were not informed of his condition until the news broke. Initially, the Saints’ new head coach, Kellen Moore, remained noncommittal on Carr’s status at an introductory press conference but later expressed support during interviews at the NFL scouting combine.

In a complicated contractual maneuver, the Saints restructured Carr’s contract, leading to full guarantees on his base salary of $40 million and a roster bonus of $10 million. Sources suggest that Carr had shown interest in exploring other opportunities before the restructure, raising questions about his commitment to the team. With the automatic conversion clause embedded in player contracts, the Saints not only secured cap space for 2025 but also reinforced their binding commitment to Carr for the current season.

While Carr’s health hangs in the balance, the Saints currently have three quarterbacks on their roster: Spencer Rattler, Jake Haener, and Ben DiNucci. Rattler’s experience includes filling in for Carr throughout last season, but the team went 0-7 during those starts. If Carr’s situation requires time away from the field, the Saints will have to rely on one of these options or seek alternatives, potentially in the draft.

With the ninth overall pick in the upcoming draft, the Saints’ quarterback position becomes a focal point. There are limited experienced options available in free agency, potentially compelling the team to draft a quarterback. Meanwhile, options like Aaron Rodgers have been discussed, but the logistics of accommodating two high-profile salaries complicate matters.

Prospects such as Shedeur Sanders from Colorado and Jaxson Dart from Mississippi are gaining traction among analysts, but ESPN‘s Adam Schefter has expressed skepticism regarding Sanders’ fit in New Orleans. Dart, who also showcased impressive performance in college, is one of the candidates that the Saints might consider addressing their quarterback woes.

As rumors swirl around various NFL teams making moves during the draft, the Saints’ decision on Carr, coupled with the uncertainty of their current quarterback situation, will undoubtedly affect their strategy. Teams competing for a quarterback could influence New Orleans’ draft positioning as they look to balance immediate needs against long-term solutions in a constantly evolving landscape.

Given Carr’s potential absence, there may be more attention paid to what the Saints decide to do on April 24. The team, looking to emerge stronger on the field, must weigh all options carefully as they tread through this pivotal moment.