Derek Carr’s Injury Forces a Franchise-Altering Decision
Derek Carr’s 2025 season is likely over due to a severe shoulder injury—possibly requiring surgery. The New Orleans Saints now face a pivotal moment. Carr’s future with the team is unclear, and the front office must decide whether to move forward with a stopgap, explore Saints quarterback free agency options, or make a bold move in the draft
The question is: who leads the Saints into the future?
Let’s break down the options—some more realistic than others—but all worth discussing in the wake of a quarterback crisis.
Spencer Rattler: The Internal Wild Card
Despite an 0–6 record as a starter in 2024, Spencer Rattler showed some promise—particularly during his standout performance against the Washington Commanders in Week 15, where he led four second-half scoring drives and nearly pulled off a comeback.
Rattler has arm talent and mobility, but his inconsistency and struggles with pressure remain concerns. Still, as a fifth-round pick already in the building, he offers the Saints a low-cost option if they choose to invest in his development.
Pros:
- Already familiar with the team and many players
- No additional draft capital required
- May still have untapped potential
Cons:
- Inconsistent results
- Small sample size
- May not be a long-term answer
Shedeur Sanders: The Franchise Gamble
Shedeur Sanders, the son of Deion Sanders, is one of the most talked-about quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft. With elite arm strength, pocket presence, and national branding power, he offers a rare combination of talent and charisma.
However, Sanders is projected as a top-5 pick, and the Saints currently hold the No. 9 overall selection. To land him, New Orleans would likely need to trade up, potentially sacrificing a future first-rounder and additional assets.
Pros:
- Strong leadership and high ceiling
- Face-of-the-franchise potential
- Could energize both the fan base and locker room
Cons:
- Will require significant draft capital to acquire
- Might need a year of NFL adjustment
- Pressure of expectations will be high
Arch Manning: A Hometown Legacy on the Horizon
If the Saints are willing to wait until 2026, they may have a shot at Arch Manning, the grandson of former Saints quarterback Archie Manning.
Arch is currently playing at the University of Texas and is expected to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft. Drafting him would bring a poetic full-circle moment to the franchise and give New Orleans a marketable, homegrown star to build around.
Pros:
- Strong pedigree and deep NOLA ties
- Smart, coachable, and well-prepared for the NFL
- A fan favorite before he even steps on the field
Cons:
- Requires waiting another season
- May be drafted too high for Saints to reach without tanking
- Could cost the team a season of progress in 2025
Jaxson Dart: A Mid-Round Sleeper
Jaxson Dart, the Ole Miss quarterback, has emerged as a gritty, gunslinging prospect with a strong arm and a competitive edge. While he’s not projected in the first round, Dart could be a Day 2 or Day 3 value pick if the Saints choose to add depth without burning top-tier draft capital.
He’s shown flashes of brilliance in the SEC—impressive decision-making under pressure, mobility on the run, and a quick release. If Rattler struggles, Dart could push for the starting role sooner than expected.
Pros:
- Great value in middle rounds
- SEC-tested against high-level defenses
- Toughness and leadership qualities
Cons:
- Inconsistent mechanics
- Needs pro-level refinement
- Limited experience in high-stakes games
Tyler Shough: Veteran Maturity and NFL Frame
Tyler Shough, formerly of Texas Tech, Oregon, and Louisville, enters the draft as a battle-tested quarterback with NFL size and a strong arm. Injuries limited his college career, but when healthy, he’s demonstrated a solid understanding of pro-style offenses.
Shough may appeal to teams seeking a smart, mature backup with starting potential, and he could fit well in New Orleans as a developmental QB who competes with Rattler for the backup or starting job.
Pros:
- 6’5” frame and pro-ready tools
- Leadership and high football IQ
- Could be available late in the draft
Cons:
- Injury history is a major concern
- Limited tape at full strength
- Ceiling may be lower than others in class
What Should the Saints Do?
The Saints are at a rare inflection point. Do they make a blockbuster move for Shedeur Sanders, ride the wave with Spencer Rattler, or go all-in on the long-term dream of Arch Manning? Or do they hedge by drafting a mid-round QB like Jaxson Dart or Tyler Shough while addressing other needs?
Here’s the breakdown:
- Aggressive Path: Trade up for Sanders, ignite a new era.
- Conservative Path: Develop Rattler, draft Dart or Shough as insurance.
- Legacy Play: Wait a year, aim for Arch Manning.
The front office must choose between risk, reward, and realism. What they do next won’t just define the 2025 season—it will shape the team’s identity for years to come.
