The New Orleans Saints appear to be drawing a line in the sand regarding their quarterback future — and veteran starter Derek Carr might not like what’s on the other side. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, league insiders speculate about the Saints’ aggressive pursuit of a young quarterback. And while no official move has been made yet, the tea leaves suggest something big is brewing in the Big Easy.
For Carr, who had his contract restructured last month, the shift in direction feels more than a little personal. The Saints’ actions — and more notably, the rumors around their intentions — have sparked speculation that the veteran passer could be viewed more as a bridge than a building block. And as multiple insiders point out, that label isn’t sitting well.
New Orleans Saints Shifting Gears — and Derek Carr Isn’t On Board
On a recent episode of The Athletic’s “Scoop City” podcast, NFL insider Dianna Russini pulled no punches: “The Saints are on a mission to get a quarterback in this draft. That’s the facts … Maybe this is Derek Carr looking at the situation going, ‘I don’t want the Kirk Cousins treatment. I don’t want to be your quarterback, you guys draft a young guy, and it’s basically, when is he going to play?'” Russini speculated.
That “Cousins treatment” — where a team brings in a vet only to chase his replacement before the ink dries — has played out across the league in recent years. Carr may be wary of the same fate in New Orleans, especially after a bumpy first season that saw injuries, inconsistencies, and now, a wave of behind-the-scenes drama.
Before any details on Derek Carr's shoulder concerns ever became public, the Saints had a mission.
Add a quarterback in this year's draft, @DMRussini reports.
More, with @ChaseDaniel ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/bBqtjaYAVm
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) April 15, 2025
Cohost and former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel echoed that sentiment, adding context.
“I think [head coach] Kellen Moore is a great offensive mind,” Daniel said. “How do these guys fit in? Derek Carr is not fitting into the equation.” According to Daniel, there’s a real chance the Saints’ staff has already signaled to Carr’s camp that he’ll be the guy in 2025 — but only until their rookie is ready. “Maybe it’s they told Derek Carr’s camp that, ‘Hey, we’re taking a quarterback, Derek can be the starter for one more year and then we’re gonna start this other rookie.’”
Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio has suggested that Carr’s lingering injury issues could be more than just bad luck — calling it “chess move.” NFL insider Albert Breer added that teams around the league are having trouble taking the situation at face value, given the recent tension between Carr and the Saints.
There’s a growing belief that New Orleans is ready to reset at quarterback — and if that happens in late April, don’t be surprised if Carr becomes the next veteran on the move.
How Carr Situation Impacts Saints’ NFL Draft Strategy
The Saints’ draft priorities may have shifted drastically due to Carr’s uncertain status for 2025. Reports of a shoulder injury that could sideline him for most — if not all — of the season have added urgency to their quarterback search. New Orleans struggled mightily in Carr’s absence last year, falling to the bottom of the league behind Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener.
There are virtually no viable veterans left on the free agent market. Kirk Cousins wants out of Atlanta because of Michael Penix Jr., and Aaron Rodgers can’t make up his mind with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He wants another Super Bowl ring before he sails off into the sunset, and Pittsburgh is (slightly) better built for that situation.
Insiders believe the Saints are eyeing a quarterback early in the draft — possibly at pick No. 9. Shedeur Sanders, Jaxson Dart, and Jalen Milore are among the top targets proposed by Pro Football Sports Network.
But the Saints may not sit back and wait for the board to fall their way. If they truly view quarterback as their top priority, trading up is an option. With Carr’s future in doubt and internal frustration at a boiling point, the organization might feel pressure to secure a long-term answer sooner rather than later. Moving up for a player like Sanders — who may not fall to No. 9 — would convey that the Saints are ready to move on from the placeholder era and build around a new face of the franchise.
Of course, that would come at a price. New Orleans has holes elsewhere on the roster, and moving up from No. 9 would likely cost a future first-rounder or multiple premium picks. Still, if Carr’s shoulder keeps him sidelined and the current backup options don’t inspire confidence, general manager Mickey Loomis may decide that the cost is worth it. Ultimately, how aggressive the Saints get in the first round will speak volumes about where they believe Carr fits into their future — if at all.