The New Orleans Saints find themselves at a crossroads heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. With Derek Carr still under contract for two more seasons, there’s no immediate pressure to overhaul their quarterback situation despite a rumored trade request.
The looming possibility of selecting Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders has ignited discussions about whether he could be the franchise’s quarterback of the future. Known for his prolific college career — he threw for 134 touchdowns and ran for another 17 scores (151) — Sanders represents a potential game-changer for the Saints as they transition into the Kellen Moore era.
Evaluating the Fit: Shedeur Sanders Predicted to Land in New Orleans
Ryan McCrystal of Sharp Football Analysis highlights a key perspective on the Saints’ quarterback dilemma, not just for this year but for the foreseeable future. He predicted Sanders falling to pick No. 9 in a Mock Draft, with the Saints swooping him to grab the Colorado standout at a bargain rate.
“The Saints have Derek Carr under contract for two more years, so there’s no need to force this selection,” McCrystal wrote. “But there’s always a chance that offseason meetings go well and the Saints feel Sanders is the right fit as their quarterback of the future.”
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This assessment underscores the luxury New Orleans has in not rushing a decision, one in which the final say appears clouded. According to McCrystal, the “power dynamic” between Saints general manager Mickey Loomis and assistant general manager Jeff Ireland has been “unclear” since Sean Payton left town.
Either way, Carr’s tenure in New Orleans affords the team time to thoroughly vet Sanders and determine whether his poised demeanor and ability to thrive under pressure align with their long-term vision.
While Sanders may not immediately fill a starting role, his potential to develop behind Carr could place the Saints in a unique position to seamlessly transition into the next phase of their offense under Kellen Moore. Sanders’ calmness in the pocket and toughness when facing blitzes are traits that are sure to catch the eye of a coach renowned for his creative approach to quarterback development.
Saints Predicted to Select CB Will Johnson in PFSN Two-Round Mock Draft
Despite the intrigue surrounding Sanders and the quarterback position in New Orleans, PFSN’s Cameron Sheath has the Saints taking a different direction with the ninth overall pick in this year’s draft. He predicts a pivot toward Michigan cornerback Will Johnson in his latest two-round mock draft.
“Will Johnson’s physical tools are obvious, but his playmaking mentality and route recognition make him a seriously valuable prospect,” Sheath wrote. “He gets the most out of his tools because of his aggression in coverage. That can come back to bite him sometimes, but more often than not, it helps him make plays other cornerbacks simply can’t.
“With Paulson Adebo and Will Harris both leaving the team in free agency, Johnson would slot seamlessly into the New Orleans Saints’ secondary. Kool-Aid McKinstry joined the team as a second-round pick in 2024, meaning the Saints could completely revamp their starting cornerback situation in the span of two drafts.”
Considering the Saints’ salary-cap woes — set at approximately $31 million, per The Athletic’s Kat Terrell — it would be a nice way to hit on a can’t-miss pick. Johnson’s aggressive coverage style and ability to read routes make him an attractive option.