As the NFL gears up for the 2024 season, one team facing significant scrutiny over its quarterback situation is the New Orleans Saints. In a recent analysis by NFL contributor Chris Trapasso, the Saints were highlighted as a team potentially in the market for a quarterback in the upcoming draft. Despite selecting Spencer Rattler from South Carolina in the fifth round of the 2024 draft, Trapasso suggests that the Saints may need to explore other options if they want to upgrade their quarterback position.
“No quarterback in the 2024 draft for the Saints, and they enter the season with Derek Carr fresh off one of his typical seasons. The stats check out. The film does not. He completed 68.4% of his throws and had 25 touchdowns to eight interceptions.
Yet he may have been the most timid, ultra-conservative thrower in football. Carr did finish with 12 touchdowns to one interception down the stretch, but stinkers like a 13 of 18 for 110-yard performance against the Vikings, a 13 of 18 for 108 effort in the loss to the Packers and an unfathomable 23 of 37 for 127 yards outing against the Buccaneers lurk in the back of everyone’s minds.
Now he did have six 300-plus-yard games in 2023, so there is a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. Beyond his immensely up-and-down play and long stretches morphing into Captain Checkdown, Carr’s future finances get the Saints onto this list.
His 2025 salary jumps to $30 million, and he’ll represent a $51 million cap hit. Sure, if he’s cut before June 1, his dead cap will be $50M, but if Carr doesn’t show clear signs of improvement and the Saints play more competitively in a watered-down NFC South, New Orleans would have reason to cut the cord on the Carr experiment two years in.”
Trapasso’s assessment of the Saints’ quarterback situation points out the challenges faced by Derek Carr, who enters the 2025 season as the team’s starting quarterback. While Carr’s statistics from the previous season appear solid, completing 68.4% of his throws with 25 touchdowns and 8 interceptions, Trapasso argues that the film reveals a different story. He highlights Carr’s tendency towards conservative play and inconsistency, citing several underwhelming performances throughout the season.
One of the key factors influencing the Saints’ quarterback dilemma is Carr’s future financial implications for the team. With his salary set to jump to $30 million in 2025 and a hefty $51 million cap hit, the Saints face tough decisions if Carr fails to show significant improvement. While cutting Carr before June 1 would result in a substantial dead cap hit of $50 million, Trapasso suggests that the Saints may need to consider moving on from the Carr experiment if they want to remain competitive in the NFC South.
Despite drafting Rattler in 2024, Trapasso’s analysis implies that the Saints may not view him as the long-term solution at quarterback. Rattler, once highly touted out of college, struggled to live up to expectations during his time at Oklahoma before transferring to South Carolina. While he showed promise with the Gamecocks, Rattler’s growth may not have been enough to solidify his status among top quarterback prospects in the upcoming draft.
Trapasso’s evaluation of the Saints’ quarterback situation underscores the uncertainty surrounding their future at the position. While Rattler offers potential upside, there are lingering questions about his ability to perform consistently at the professional level. With Carr’s performance and financial implications in mind, the Saints may need to explore alternative options in the 2025 NFL Draft if they hope to secure a quarterback capable of leading the team to success in the years to come.
After evaluating the Saints’ quarterback situation for the 2025 NFL Draft, it becomes evident that their performance with Derek Carr under center could shape their future decisions at the position. Should Carr fail to meet expectations or show signs of improvement, the Saints may be inclined to pursue different options in the upcoming draft. Here are the top five prospects the Saints could consider, along with a brief analysis of their skills.
Carson Beck, Georgia: Beck’s poised performance as a pocket operator for the Bulldogs in 2023 showcased his potential as a top prospect. With a completion rate of 72.4% and 3,941 passing yards, Beck demonstrated precision and composure under pressure. His physical attributes and ability to fit the ball into tight windows draw comparisons to Trevor Lawrence, suggesting he could vie for the No. 1 overall pick.
Shedeur Sanders, Colorado: The son of former Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders, Shedeur Sanders brings a mix of athleticism and accuracy to the field. Despite challenges from his offensive line, Sanders impressed with 3,230 passing yards and 27 touchdowns, drawing comparisons to Pro Bowl QB Geno Smith. With improved support, Sanders has the potential to solidify his status as a top-five pick.
Cameron Ward, Miami (FL): Ward’s elite arm talent and creative presence make him a compelling prospect for the Saints. While inconsistency plagued his 2023 season, Ward’s ability to make extraordinary throws sets him apart. Maturing and refining his game will be crucial for Ward as he looks to fulfill his potential at Miami.
Jalen Milroe, Alabama: Milroe’s emergence as a star for the Crimson Tide offers promise for the Saints. With over 3,000 total yards and 35 total touchdowns in 2023, Milroe proved himself as an electric creator and running threat. Refining his mechanics and process under the guidance of Kalen DeBoer could elevate Milroe’s game to the next level.
Quinn Ewers, Texas: Despite lingering concerns about his mechanics and consistency, Ewers’ arm talent and progress in 2023 make him a notable prospect. With 3,479 passing yards and 22 touchdowns, Ewers demonstrated potential but must improve his downfield accuracy and consistency.
