With the New Orleans Saints mired in a six-game losing streak, the hopes of competing for a playoff spot in 2024 have slipped away. Heading into the 2025 offseason, the team faces difficult choices, particularly at the quarterback position. The recent analysis by Pro Football Focus highlights the Saints’ complex situation: a roster strapped with $81 million in dead cap for 2025, an aging defensive core, and injuries that have derailed key players. While some fans may clamor for a fresh start under center, PFF suggests that the Saints’ best path forward may be to embrace their current quarterback competition and focus their resources on shoring up other critical areas.
This approach might just be the most realistic solution for a team constrained by cap issues. If Derek Carr’s early-season performance is any indication, there is potential to build a competitive offense around him. Here’s a breakdown of how this strategy could play out for New Orleans and why focusing on stability over reinvention may be their best path forward.
1. Derek Carr’s Strong Start: A Bright Spot Amid a Dim Season
Despite the Saints’ disappointing record, Derek Carr’s performance before his oblique injury was a major positive. Carr posted an impressive 87.8 PFF passing grade, the highest of his career, and a top 10 big-time throw rate of 5.1%. This marks him as one of the league’s more reliable quarterbacks when healthy, an achievement that carries extra weight given the struggles on the Saints’ offensive line. Carr’s accuracy and playmaking ability give New Orleans something solid to build around, especially if they provide him with better protection and weapons moving forward.
Carr’s contract, which keeps him in New Orleans until at least 2027, underscores the Saints’ investment in him as a long-term option at quarterback. In a season where so much has gone wrong, Carr’s performance is a reminder that he could be an effective leader for the Saints with the right supporting cast. Instead of replacing him, the Saints would be better served by addressing the offensive line issues that have left him vulnerable and limited the offense’s potential.
2. A Chance for Spencer Rattler to Develop as a Viable Backup
Rookie Spencer Rattler stepped in when Carr went down with his oblique injury but struggled to perform under pressure. His 54.7 PFF passing grade ranks among the lowest in the league, with an alarming 26.2 grade under pressure — the second lowest for any quarterback this season. Rattler’s challenges reveal the difficulties of adjusting to the NFL and highlight the Saints’ need for better pass protection and a more consistent running game.
Despite his struggles, Rattler is a rookie with untapped potential, and the Saints can use the rest of the season as an opportunity for him to develop in Carr’s shadow. By allowing Rattler to learn from Carr and gain valuable experience, the Saints could mold him into a reliable backup who can eventually compete for a starting role if Carr’s performance declines or injuries persist. In a league where quarterback depth is increasingly important, a seasoned backup like Rattler could become a key asset for New Orleans as they rebuild.
3. The No. 6 Pick: Weighing Drafting a Quarterback Against Other Needs
Holding the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft puts the Saints in an interesting position. Although it’s tempting to consider drafting a quarterback with this pick, New Orleans must be cautious. The team’s significant needs along the offensive line and an aging defense mean that drafting a young quarterback may not be the best way to use a premium pick. Additionally, the Saints’ recent draft picks have highlighted the value of bolstering both lines of scrimmage, and ignoring these areas could undermine any progress they make under center.
Instead of spending their top draft pick on a quarterback, the Saints could prioritize a top-tier offensive lineman or a defensive playmaker to inject youth into the roster. Building a stable foundation would benefit Carr in the short term and ensure that, if the Saints do decide to draft a quarterback down the line, that player steps into a stronger, more balanced roster. By reinforcing critical positions, New Orleans could create a team that complements Carr’s strengths and gives Rattler a more supportive environment to develop.
5. Retooling the Offensive Line as a Priority
One of the key takeaways from PFF’s analysis is the importance of strengthening the offensive line. With Carr posting impressive numbers when given time, it’s evident that upgrading the line should be a primary focus. The Saints’ interior line, in particular, has been a weak spot, and the team’s issues with protection have only magnified Rattler’s difficulties under pressure. By investing in young, high-upside offensive linemen through the draft, the Saints could give Carr a more reliable pocket and open up more options for their running game.
Solidifying the offensive line would extend Carr’s effectiveness and create a more conducive environment for developing Rattler. An improved line would reduce the chances of Carr facing injury risks and ensure that Rattler can progress in a controlled setting where he can hone his skills without constantly worrying about defensive pressure. By prioritizing the offensive line, the Saints would be addressing one of their most immediate weaknesses and setting the stage for more consistent offensive production.
6. Adding Youth to an Aging Defense
The Saints defense has been a hallmark of their identity, but it’s an area that now demands attention as several key players enter the latter stages of their careers. Veterans like Cameron Jordan and Demario Davis have been instrumental in shaping the Saints’ defensive culture, but age and injuries are beginning to take their toll. With the No. 6 overall pick and additional draft capital, the Saints can inject youth and athleticism into their defense.
Selecting a young, impact defender could allow New Orleans to continue building on their defensive legacy while ensuring they’re prepared for the future. A versatile defender who can disrupt opposing offenses could help the Saints stay competitive in a division that increasingly relies on dynamic, young playmakers. By addressing the defense in the draft, New Orleans can balance maintaining their current strengths and preparing for the inevitable transition that will come with an aging core.
7. Creating Competition at Quarterback to Drive Improvement
PFF’s recommendation for New Orleans to “embrace existing competition” emphasizes the value of creating a competitive environment at quarterback. While Carr’s early-season performance justifies his starting role, the presence of Rattler provides a sense of urgency and motivation. Competition at key positions often yields improvement, and Rattler’s desire to push Carr for snaps could foster growth for both players. Carr’s veteran status and experience are assets, but a young, motivated quarterback waiting in the wings can help keep him sharp.
Additionally, this competition could offer a pathway for Rattler to develop organically without the pressure of being named the starter prematurely. By fostering a competitive culture, the Saints can maximize Carr’s prime years while allowing Rattler to progress naturally, which could benefit the team in the long term.
Embracing Stability and Building for the Future
The Saints’ 2025 offseason will require careful decision-making, and embracing stability at quarterback may be their best course. Rather than chasing the allure of a new quarterback, the Saints should focus on building a team that maximizes Carr’s strengths while developing Rattler’s potential.
By retooling the offensive line, adding youth to the defense, and creating a culture of competition, New Orleans could create a sustainable foundation for the future. In a season of disappointments, Carr’s solid performance has been a reassuring sign, and with the right investments, the Saints could create a team capable of competing in the NFC South. For New Orleans, success will come not from a full overhaul but from smart, incremental improvements that make the most of their resources and give their quarterbacks the support they need to thrive.
