Saints Face Quarterback Crisis Amid Derek Carr’s Injury Rumors

NEW ORLEANS, La. — The New Orleans Saints are facing a potential quarterback crisis as starter Derek Carr deals with a shoulder injury that could jeopardize his availability for the upcoming season. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Carr, 34, is assessing various options, including the possibility of surgery.

Carr’s injury situation raises significant concerns for the Saints, who are set to select ninth overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. If Carr is unable to play, the team may need to reconsider its long-term strategy at the quarterback position. Analysts speculate they might explore trading up in the draft to secure a more viable option.

With Miami quarterback Cam Ward likely to be the first selection overall by the Tennessee Titans, interest centers on Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, who many observers see as one of the best quarterbacks remaining in the draft. If he is still available when the Patriots pick at No. 4, it raises the question: should the Saints attempt to trade up?

Phil Perry, a Patriots insider for NBC Sports Boston, suggested a scenario where the Patriots trade the No. 4 pick to the Saints, allowing New England to select an impactful player while the Saints secure Sanders.

The cost to move up would need careful consideration. According to Jimmy Johnson’s trade value chart, the Patriots’ No. 4 pick is valued at 1,800 points. This means the Saints will have to offer enough value to make the trade appealing.

One potential trade scenario could involve the Saints exchanging their second-round pick in 2025 along with a 2026 second-round selection. The complexities increase with the inclusion of top talents like wide receiver Chris Olave, who has proven to be a reliable target but has faced injury issues in his early career.

As the draft approaches in just ten days, speculation mounts about the Patriots’ willingness to make a deal. The Saints could also consider trading down in the first round to obtain Jaxson Dart from Ole Miss, broadening their options significantly.

While determining the best approach, the Saints must weigh their immediate needs against long-term strategy. This impending decision, linked to Carr’s uncertain status, could direct New Orleans’ path for the 2025 season.