The New Orleans Saints may be facing a question mark at quarterback in 2025. Incumbent starter Derek Carr, who missed the final four games of the 2024 season with a fractured hand, may not be ready for the start of next season.
Carr is weighing options on how best to deal with a shoulder injury, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
New Orleans made a head coaching change for 2025 by bringing in former Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. In his first season, he may be stuck with a tough decision at the most important position on the team.
Rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler went 0-6 as a starter in 2024 and is one of the possibilities for the team at quarterback in 2025 if Carr is unavailable.
Here’s the Saints’ options for quarterback in 2025 in that scenario.
Saints’ QB options
Shedeur Sanders
Carr’s injury increases the chance of this happening. Sanders is the most pro-ready passer in the class and could come in and immediately start for the Saints. But he lacks the elite traits of others in the class and has a lower ceiling in a weak quarterback group overall.
New Orleans holds the No. 9 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft. This class lacks blue-chip talents so it would not be unreasonable for the team to select Sanders that high. He’d provide low-cost competence at the position immediately.
Mid-round draft pick
New Orleans has one of the older rosters in the league and needs help at many positions on both offense and defense. It could prioritize a different position at No. 9 and wait until later on to address quarterback in the draft.
The Saints are slated to have two draft picks in Round 3 and Round 4. They could take a quarterback later on. Alabama’s Jalen Milroe has been compared to Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts with his arm strength and explosive athleticism. Moore’s familiarity with that skill set could help him develop Milroe faster than other teams.
If Milroe and the rest of the second-tier passers (Tyler Shough and Jaxson Dart) are unavailable, they could target Syracuse’s Kyle McCord or Ohio State’s Will Howard. McCord offers a diet version of Sanders’ skill set and Howard has the physical tools, leadership and experience to potentially compete for a starting spot early on.
Trade for a veteran
The free agent quarterback market has all but dried up. There weren’t many good options to begin with and the last remaining major player, Aaron Rodgers, seems more likely to play for a contender like Pittsburgh.
Still, armed with extra picks in multiple rounds of the 2025 draft, New Orleans could offer up some draft capital for a team’s backup quarterback.
As far as quarterbacks Moore is familiar with, Tanner McKee was the Eagles’ backup last season. Philadelphia brought in Dorian Thompson-Robinson this offseason and that could free McKee up to be moved.
New Orleans could also make a play for a veteran backup Moore hasn’t worked with before but with solid performances on their record. This group includes Marcus Mariota (Washington), Jarrett Stidham (Denver) and Jacoby Brissett (Arizona).
Spencer Rattler
The 2026 NFL draft class should have more talented quarterback options than this year, even if Arch Manning decides to return for another year at Texas. Penn State’s Drew Allar, South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers and LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier are all currently slated to be first-round picks.
New Orleans could take a look at the roster, opt to build up depth on offense and defense with its nine picks in the 2025 NFL draft and roll with Rattler in year two.
At worst, he’s not the long-term answer and the Saints draft a quarterback high in 2026. At best, he becomes a reliable starter for the future under Moore.