As the 2024 season winds down with only three games remaining, the New Orleans Saints face critical decisions about their future under center. Injuries, inconsistent play, and a revolving door at quarterback have left the Saints searching for answers heading into 2025. Derek Carr’s health remains a major concern after suffering an injury in Week 14 against the Giants. At the same time, Spencer Rattler’s spark in relief of Jake Haener has injected life into the conversation.
The question is no longer about salvaging 2024; it’s about how the Saints will navigate their quarterback situation for the 2025 season. With a top-10 pick likely in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Saints have a chance to reshape their future. However, with elite prospects like Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders and Miami’s Cam Ward projected to go 1-2 overall, the Saints may need to explore other options, such as Alabama’s Jalen Milroe, expected to be a second-round selection.
This leaves the Saints with three main directions: stick with Derek Carr, elevate Spencer Rattler, or draft a quarterback for the future.
- Derek Carr: A Bridge Option or a Financial Anchor?
When the Saints signed Derek Carr to a four-year, $150 million deal in 2023, they envisioned stability at the quarterback position. Instead, Carr’s tenure in New Orleans has been defined by injuries, inconsistent performances, and an offense that often sputtered.
The Case for Keeping Carr in 2025:
- Financial Reality: Carr’s contract remains a major hurdle. Cutting him this offseason would result in a $51.5 million dead cap hit, which is financially crippling for a team already tight against the salary cap. Restructuring his deal to keep him on the roster as a bridge quarterback might be the only practical option.
- Veteran Presence: Carr, when healthy, provides experience and leadership, which the Saints may need as they transition to a younger core. Having him as a stabilizing figure while developing a rookie quarterback or Spencer Rattler could be the best-case scenario.
The Concerns with Carr:
Carr’s durability is a growing question mark. Between shoulder injuries, a concussion, and now his left arm issue, his ability to remain on the field has been shaky. Moreover, his inability to elevate the offense raises doubts about whether he can lead a competitive team in 2025.
- Spencer Rattler: Potential Future or Short-Term Spark?
Spencer Rattler’s performance in relief against the Washington Commanders offered a glimmer of hope for Saints fans. Taking over for Jake Haener in the second half, Rattler displayed impressive mobility, decision-making, and composure in a close 20-19 loss.
Why Rattler Deserves a Shot:
- Youth and Upside: At just 23, Rattler possesses the tools to grow into a starting quarterback. His arm strength, pocket presence, and ability to create plays outside of structure give the Saints a much-needed spark.
- Low Risk, High Reward: Rattler didn’t cost the Saints much to acquire, making him a perfect developmental option. Naming him the starter for the final three games will give New Orleans a better look at his potential.
- Team Response: The offense visibly responded to Rattler’s energy and playmaking ability, which were lacking during stretches of Carr’s tenure.
The Next Step:
The Saints should give Rattler a full workload over the remaining games to evaluate his ceiling. While he’s shown flashes, the team must see if he can sustain his performance against NFL defenses. If Rattler shines, he could be a legitimate candidate for the starting job in 2025.
- Drafting a QB: Shedeur Sanders, Cam Ward, or Jalen Milroe?
The Saints currently hold a top-10 pick, which puts them in range to select an impact player in the 2025 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, the two marquee quarterback prospects—Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders and Miami’s Cam Ward—are projected to go 1 and 2 overall to the Raiders and Giants, respectively.
This leaves the Saints with a few options:
- Trade Up: The Saints could package picks and assets to move into the top two slots, but this might be unrealistic with their cap struggles and roster holes.
- Draft Jalen Milroe: The Alabama quarterback is a dynamic playmaker who could be available in the second round. At 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, Milroe possesses elite athleticism, a strong arm, and the ability to make plays with his legs—traits that align well with the modern NFL.
- Why Milroe Makes Sense: If the Saints can’t secure Sanders or Ward, Milroe represents an intriguing developmental option who can sit behind Carr or compete with Rattler for the starting role.
- Address Other Needs: If the Saints don’t love the quarterback options, they could use their first-round pick to bolster the offensive or defensive line while revisiting quarterback options later in the draft.
- Exploring Free Agency or Trade: Stopgap Options
If the Saints decide to hold off on drafting a quarterback early, they could explore the veteran market for a stopgap option. Free agents like Justin Fields or Gardner Minshew bring starting experience and could provide competition for Carr or Rattler.
However, given the Saints’ cap constraints, signing a veteran QB may not be feasible unless it comes cheaply. A trade for a young, underutilized quarterback like Trey Lance (Cowboys) or Malik Willis (Packers) could also be possible.
The Saints’ Best Path Forward
Given the current landscape, here’s what the Saints should prioritize:
- Evaluate Spencer Rattler: Let Rattler start the final three games to determine if he can be a legitimate option moving forward.
- Retain Derek Carr: Financial constraints make it difficult to part ways with Carr. Keeping him as a bridge quarterback while grooming a younger signal-caller makes sense.
- Draft Jalen Milroe: If Sanders and Ward are off the board, the Saints should target Jalen Milroe in the second round. Milroe’s athleticism and big-play potential align with the modern NFL, giving the Saints a high-upside prospect to develop.
Charting a New Course
The Saints’ 2025 quarterback situation is a crossroads moment for the franchise. Derek Carr’s injuries and mixed results have cast doubt on his long-term future, while Spencer Rattler’s spark offers hope but requires further evaluation.
The 2025 NFL Draft looms large, with the Saints likely missing out on Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward unless they trade up. Alabama’s Jalen Milroe, however, presents an enticing second-round option who could grow into a franchise quarterback.
In the short term, the Saints must allow Rattler to prove himself while ensuring they remain flexible heading into the offseason. The road to finding the next great Saints quarterback is far from clear, but careful planning in these final weeks will set the stage for 2025 and beyond.
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