Saints Sign Undrafted QB Hunter Dekkers After Carr’s Retirement

NEW ORLEANS—The New Orleans Saints have signed undrafted rookie quarterback Hunter Dekkers, following the retirement of Derek Carr, according to Mike Triplett of neworleans.football. Dekkers, who recently participated in the team’s rookie minicamp, impressed coaches enough to earn a contract pending a physical.

With Carr announcing his retirement due to a right shoulder injury, the Saints are now looking for a new starting quarterback. Other players in the mix include second-round draft pick Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler, and Jake Haener, all competing for the crucial position.

Dekkers’s college career took a turn when he was ruled ineligible for NCAA play due to gambling allegations. He had placed a small bet on an Iowa State game during his time with the Cyclones and was accused of attempting to conceal the activity through a scheme involving his parents. As a result, Dekkers transferred to Iowa Western Community College.

During his time in Iowa, Dekkers completed 66.1 percent of his passes for 3,044 yards, along with 19 touchdowns and 14 interceptions for Iowa State in 2022. In 2024, at Iowa Western, he had an impressive season, throwing for 3,806 yards with 32 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

The Saints finished the 2024 season last in the NFC South with a 5-12 record, raising the stakes for the upcoming season. With Carr’s early departure, all eyes will be on Dekkers and the other quarterbacks as the team searches for stability and improvement.

Head coach Kellen Moore has stated that the quarterback competition will be intense, and all four players could see significant action as they fight for the starting position.