BREAKING: Saints to rival Bucs with Shedeur Sanders now set to replace injured Saints Quarterback Derek Carr with New Orleans plans Altered

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers might not face quarterback Derek Carr when they play the New Orleans Saints in 2025. However, they might have to face one of the top rookies on the board in his stead.

It appears as though Carr is dealing with a shoulder injury which might impinge on his ability to play this season, according to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport. Rapoport broke the news late Friday afternoon.

Carr missed seven games in 2024 due to hand and oblique injuries, but the shoulder issue is something new. Carr might have surgery on the shoulder and if he does, he will more than likely spend the season on injured reserve.

Should Carr be in a position where he is figured to miss significant time, it will put the Saints in the same position they were in last season, which got one coach terminated and the interim coach not retained.

They will be compelled to go back to the Spencer Rattler-Jake Haener, Merry Go Round. Neither quarterback did much last year and alas the Saints are picking in the top 10.

New coach Kellen Moore might decide its time for him to get his own quarterback in the NFL Draft. The Saints have been tied to Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart, but not necessarily at the No. 9 selection. He has been viewed as a late first-round, early second-round candidate.

However, the Saints might take a closer look at Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders should be slide out of the top five and down to New Orleans at the ninth pick.

ESPN’s NFL insider and former NFL executive Louis Riddick posted on X Friday night “that 9th pick gonna be all kinds of interesting.” The post was reposted by Deion Sanders with a pair of eyeball emojis.

Sanders would be a good pick for the Saints and he would come at a good value. Once projected to go to the Cleveland Browns or the New York Giants in the top three selections, Sanders would be a great value pick at nine. If they waited until the second round, or tried to trade back into the first round, Dart would be a good play later on.

New Orleans is not going to want to wait and will probably want to solidify the position at the top of the round.

If so, Sanders is the safer play. They cannot wait around and see if Dart will be around later and he is not worth a top 10 pick.

HEARTBREAKING: Saints QB Derek Carr Suffers Major Shoulder Injury and Will be out for the Season

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr is dealing with a significant shoulder injury that can threaten his 2025 NFL season, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

The Saints have been connected to multiple quarterbacks in the draft and may now have a more urgent need. New Orleans has met with Miami quarterback Cam Ward, Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, and Ole Miss’s Jaxson Dart.

There were rumors throughout the offseason revolving around a potential agreement to part ways between Carr and the Saints before New Orleans ultimately restructured Carr’s contract, making his $40 million this year fully guaranteed. The restructure proved the Saints’ commitment to trying to compete and delay a rebuild.

New Orleans was still in the quarterback market but didn’t want to be forced to draft a quarterback. Now, with Carr potentially missing significant time, the Saints may have to be more aggressive in the quarterback market.

The Saints could also choose to stick with sophomore Spencer Rattler and add a veteran through free agency. Rattler has fans within the building, and many believe he could be the starter. Names such as Aaron Rodgers, Carson Wentz, and Tyler Huntley could work as bridge/backups until the 2026 NFL Draft.

Carr has dealt with injuries throughout his two seasons in New Orleans and finished with a 14-13 record with the Saints. In 2024, Carr threw for 2,145 yards and 15 touchdowns to 5 interceptions in 10 games.

With less than two weeks until the draft, the Saints find themselves in a spot needing a quarterback. There has been a lot of talk about Shedeur Sanders possibly dropping to ninth overall and landing in New Orleans. Now, with an injury threatening Carr’s season, the Saints may be more inclined to pull the trigger.

New Orleans Saints gear up for NFC South showdown with a healthy Derek Carr and a draft pick to rewrite history

A revived spirit surrounds the New Orleans Saints as they set their sights on an NFC South title, fueled by a healthy Derek Carr and eyes set on a game-changing draft pick that could redefine their future.

Revitalizing Hope

The Saints are gearing up to challenge long-held assumptions about their capabilities. Despite a rough patch that saw them finish 5‑12 last season amid numerous roster challenges and injury concerns, there is a renewed belief that clean bill of health could unleash their true potential. The team’s pivotal offseason moves—including the acquisition of safety Justin Reid and wide receiver Brandin Cooks—signal a determined stride toward balancing past shortcomings with fresh opportunities for growth.

Navigating Roster Challenges

While the enhancements signal progress, significant gaps remain, particularly in the wide receiver and quarterback positions. Previous campaigns saw the quarterback spot mired in uncertainty with inconsistent performances from Derek Carr, leading to the utilization of backups like Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener. Despite these rocky moments, the mantra remains clear: a healthy Derek Carr could re-anchor the offense, setting a new tone for consistency and performance throughout the season.

The Health Factor and On-Field Impact

Veteran defensive end Cameron Jordan encapsulated the team’s potential when fully fit. He emphasized, “I think we have a team where, when healthy, we’re top tier.” Jordan recalled glimpses of their best moments—a determined offensive line, exciting talent rising from the lineup, and key contributions from emerging stars—only to have those efforts disrupted by injuries. The Saints’ impressive start last season, where they amassed 91 points over two victories, starkly contrasts with later setbacks that diminished their early promise. The recurring theme is clear: without the injury bug, the team’s true caliber would have shone throughout the season.

Rewriting the Quarterback Narrative

Speculation about the starting quarterback position continues to swirl. Rumors suggest that the upcoming draft with the No. 9 pick might even see the Saints eyeing Shedeur Sanders, a highly skilled yet polarizing option from Colorado. Whether they lean on upgrading at quarterback through the draft or further entrust their future to the talented Carr, expectations are high that a properly set quarterback could be the linchpin of an offensively rejuvenated team.

Challenging the Division Hierarchy

The NFC South has long been dominated by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, despite their modest playoff records in previous seasons. As veteran voices in football point out, the division is far from impregnable. With competitive records at 10-7, 9-8, and even 8-9 in previous years, the Saints’ newfound drive underscores an attainable ambition to overturn the status quo. They are not merely climbing an already scaled hill; they are challenging the very kings of their domain.

Reflecting on Future Possibilities

The Saints’ pursuit of greatness this season is far more than a quest for wins—it is a narrative of transformation where health, resilience, and strategic draft decisions converge to rebuild a once-promising vision. The lessons of last season have provided a blueprint for success: a harmonious blend of core talent, robust health, and timely reinforcements could propel them into contention. As the season unfolds, the anticipation is palpable, and the outcome remains an invitation for the team and its fans to witness a storied chapter in New Orleans football, where every play reaffirms their true potential.

Justin Reid returns home to New Orleans Saints with $31.5M deal to chase Super Bowl glory and revive the ‘Who Dat’ spirit

A homecoming that bridges past glories with future ambitions sets the stage for a transformative chapter in New Orleans football. Veteran safety Justin Reid, steeped in experience and driven by deep-seated hometown pride, embarks on a journey fueled by passion and purpose.

Returning to His Roots

Justin Reid’s decision to wear the New Orleans Saints jersey resonates far beyond contractual terms. A Louisiana native, Reid has long cherished the vibrant spirit of the city. His move is not just a career choice—it is a heartfelt return to the environment that first ignited his love for the game. The allure of hearing the iconic “Who Dat” chants and the promise of reuniting with a community steeped in tradition were pivotal, embodying his desire to be part of a legacy that defines New Orleans.

A Seasoned Career and Unmatched Experience

Across a seven-year National Football League journey, Reid has accumulated invaluable experience and two Super Bowl rings, achievements that underscore his caliber in a highly competitive arena. Despite an understated profile during his tenure with star-laden teams, his contributions have been significant. His expertise, honed on some of the league’s most illustrious stages, now positions him as a strategic addition for a team eager to build a foundation for sustained success.

Cultivating a Community Spirit

Reid’s sentiments reveal a deeper connection to his new team. Reflecting on his motivation, he expressed, “I’m a Louisian kid. I grew up on the Saints… I just want to get back to that. I want to hear the ‘Who Dat’ chants in the crowd. I want to be in that stadium.” These words capture his commitment to reviving the iconic culture and fostering a sense of pride within the state. His return is emblematic of a broader initiative to uplift the community and strengthen the bond between the team and its fervent supporters.

Charting the Path to Glory

The strategic nature of this move extends beyond personal dreams; it is a statement of intent from the Saints organization. With a three-year, $31.5 million deal in place, Reid is poised to contribute to a refreshed vision for the team. The emphasis on a re-vamped offense and defense under innovative leadership signals an ambitious road ahead. Reid’s eagerness to “win games” and make the community proud aligns with the larger objective of achieving Super Bowl glory, marking this as a pivotal era in the franchise’s evolution.

The convergence of a storied past with fresh aspirations heralds a promising future for both Justin Reid and the New Orleans Saints. His return is a clarion call to fans and teammates alike—a reaffirmation of heritage and a commitment to excellence that may well redefine the team’s destiny in the seasons to come.

Saints gear up for NFL Draft with eyes on Kyle McCord as Kellen Moore seeks quarterback savior in New Orleans

A seismic shift is coming to New Orleans as the city braces for the NFL Draft, with the Saints positioning themselves for a transformative move on and off the field.

Publicidad

Draft Anticipation in New Orleans

With the draft set to begin from Green Bay on April 24th, New Orleans is abuzz with tight preparations and strategic conversations. The Saints, known for their proactive approach, have been deeply involved in daily visits from prospective players. The high draft pick at No. 9 coupled with several roster gaps has only intensified interest and expectations surrounding this pivotal event.

A New Era Under Fresh Leadership

This season unfolds under the fresh vision of head coach Kellen Moore, marking his inaugural NFL Draft at the helm of the Saints. Moore’s history of nurturing quarterback talent, reminiscent of those who have thrived under his guidance like Justin Herbert and Dak Prescott, sets a promising stage for the team’s future. His tactical acumen and diligent approach have sparked discussions around the squad’s critical need for a quarterback savior, highlighting the urgency to address long-term signal-caller questions.

The Kyle McCord Equation

Among a pool of prospects, Kyle McCord from Syracuse is gaining attention as a potential mid-round addition who embodies the aggressive yet thoughtful style Moore values. One expert encapsulated McCord’s playing characteristics, noting, “McCord has good size, he’s highly comfortable operating in the pocket and he’ll work through progressions and hit backside reads. An uber-aggressive passer, McCord regularly bites off throws he just can’t chew with only average arm strength, but that aggressiveness could serve him well at the NFL level.” His impressive performance last season—amassing 4,779 passing yards and 34 touchdowns over 13 games—cements his reputation as a promising candidate to provide depth and spark off-field energy.

Exploring Options and Tactical Vision

The Saints are also weighing other avenues, including a potential bid for a top-tier quarterback, with interest swirling around prospects like the standout from Colorado. Choosing to pursue such talent with a first-round pick could signal a bold commitment to transforming the quarterback position. However, some predictions suggest that the team might find hidden value in a later-round selection with a candidate like McCord, whose natural aggressiveness and willingness to challenge defenses could make him a reliable backup destined for further growth.

Future Prospects and Strategic Implications

This draft could redefine the Saints’ future outlook, particularly in an era where quarterback play remains critical. The methodology of blending established skill sets with raw, untapped potential reflects a broader strategic vision. If McCord can temper his moments of inconsistency and harness his dynamic playmaking, he may very well carve out a distinguished career, offering a dependable option behind a primary starter while potentially rising to starting-caliber play in key moments.

In essence, the upcoming draft is more than a routine selection—it is a potential turning point that reflects both the urgency and calculated strategy of a franchise eager to redefine its path forward. The Saints’ decisions in these crucial moments will resonate for years, marking the beginning of a narrative characterized by ambition, resilience, and the timeless quest for excellence on the gridiron.