NFL
Top Seven Veteran Quarterback Best Option that the New Orleans Saint may Sign After Derek Carr Injury

Top Seven Veteran Quarterback Best Option that the New Orleans Saint may Sign After Derek Carr Injury
Certainly not ideal options, but New Orleans could target one of these available veteran quarterbacks as a backup or spot-starter in wake of Derek Carr’s injury.
Friday’s news that New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr could miss most or all of the 2025-26 season with a shoulder injury has put an interesting twist into the team’s offseason.
Carr, 34, was unlikely to be with the Saints beyond this coming season. However, after a contract restructure, he was almost a sure bet to be the team’s starter for this year. At least he was, before Friday reports that an injured throwing shoulder may sideline him for the season.
Because of that news, New Orleans is a heavy favorite to select a quarterback in either the first or second round of the NFL Draft. If so, it would be the first time since Archie Manning in 1971 and only the second time in the Saints 58-year history that they’ve done so.
New Orleans also has Spencer Rattler, a fifth-round choice in the 2024 NFL Draft out of South Carolina. He has an excellent arm, solid mobility, and some intriguing athletic traits but struggles to read defenses.
Rattler played in seven games last season because of injuries to Carr. In those contests, he completed 57% of his throws for 1,317 yards with 4 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, and 22 sacks. While his play was uneven, at very best, he also had to do it with an injury-decimated offensive line, no backfield depth, and without his top three wide receivers.
If the Saints elect to roll with Rattler and not draft a quarterback, they may instead look to bring in a veteran with some starting experience. This wouldn’t necessarily be to start the year, but instead to provide some insurance and stability at the position.
The choices aren’t ideal, to say the least, but here are the most logical free-agent quarterbacks still available.
Bridgewater technically retired after the 2023-24 season. After coaching a championship high school football team in the fall, he returned to the Detroit Lions as a backup for their short-lived playoff run.
Following Detroit’s loss in the Divisional Round, Bridgewater never publicly stated whether he planned to re-retire or keep playing. An 11-year NFL veteran, he’s started games with five different teams
A first-round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft and one-time Pro Bowler with the Minnesota Vikings, Bridgewater managed to revive his career following a catastrophic knee injury in 2016. After a preseason stint with the Jets in 2018, he was traded to the New Orleans Saints.
Bridgewater was with the Saints for two seasons as a backup and started five games for an injured Drew Brees in 2019. He went 5-0 in those starts, completing 67.9% of his throws for 1,384 yards with 9 touchdowns and 2 interceptions.
Since leaving New Orleans, Bridgewater started one year each for the Panthers and Broncos before being a backup for the Dolphins, then Lions, for the last three years. Bridgewater has a career completion percentage of 66.4%, throwing for 15,120 yards with 75 touchdowns and 47 interceptions.
While technically not retired, Tannehill didn’t play last year following his release from the Tennessee Titans after the 2023-24 season. He played five years for the Titans, going 39-24 as a starter and taking Tennessee to the playoffs three times with two division championships.
Prior to Tennessee, Tannehill played his first six seasons with the Miami Dolphins. He was a first-round choice, eighth overall, in the 2012 NFL Draft out of Texas A&M. During his time with Miami, he was 42-46 as a starter with one playoff appearance.
In 11 NFL seasons, Tannehill has a 64.3% completion percentage with 34,881 yards and 216 touchdowns with 115 interceptions. He’s made one Pro Bowl, in 2019, and has taken four teams into the postseason as a starter.
Wentz was the second overall choice in the 2016 NFL Draft out of North Dakota State by the Philadelphia Eagles. He was an immediate starter as a rookie, guiding his team to a 7-9 record.
In 2017, Wentz was actually in the league MVP conversation as the Eagles sprinted to an 11-2 start. He had a 60% completion percentage in those games, averaging 254 passing yards per game with 33 touchdowns and just 7 interceptions. A broken ankle sidelined Wentz for the stretch run, as Nick Foles guided Philadelphia through the playoffs and a Super Bowl LII title.
Wentz returned as Philadelphia’s starter in 2018 but was slowed by ineffectiveness and more injuries. He actually averaged more passing yards (279.5) in his 11 starts, but had just a 5-6 record despite 21 touchdowns and 7 interceptions.
Wentz remained in Philadelphia until 2020, but never regained his 2017 effectiveness. He was benched as the starter in 2020 and traded the following offseason to the Indianapolis Colts. He’d be with the Colts only one year, throwing 27 touchdowns and 7 interceptions while throwing for 3,563 yards but going only 9-8 as a starter.
For the last three years, Wentz has been a backup for Washington, the Rams, and Kansas City. He has a career completion percentage of 62.7% with 22,410 yards with 153 touchdowns and 67 interceptions.

An undrafted rookie out of Utah in 2020, Huntley spent his first four NFL seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. He was a backup to Lamar Jackson, but still started nine contests plus a playoff game because of injury.
Huntley wound up with the Miami Dolphins last year. He’d start five games because of injuries to starter Tua Tagovailoa. In 15 career starts, Huntley has a 5-10 record.
Huntley has a 64.6% career completion percentage. He’s thrown for 3,072 yards with 13 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
Originally, Beathard was a third-round choice in the 2017 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers out of Iowa. He’d spend his first four seasons there as backup to Jimmy Garoppolo, starting 12 games as an injury replacement.
Beathard went 2-10 as a 49ers starter. He’d complete 58.6% of his passes while with the team, throwing for 3,469 yards with 18 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Beathard signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars during the 2021 offseason as a free agent.
For the last four seasons, Beathard has seen little action as backup to Trevor Lawrence. He’d see his most action in 2023, starting one contest and seeing several snaps in two others. In those outings, he’d throw for 349 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions with one win.
Succeeding Carson Wentz as the starter at North Dakota State, Stick would eventually be a fifth-round choice in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Chargers. He’s been with the Chargers for all six of his NFL seasons.
Backing up Justin Herbert, Stick has only seen action in six regular season games. One of them was during the 2020 season, when he attempted one pass. The others were the last five games of the 2023 season when he took over for an injured Herbert.
Interestingly, those games in 2023 was when Saints head coach Kellen Moore was the offensive coordinator for the Chargers. Stick completed 63.8% of his throws for 1,129 yards with 3 touchdowns and 1 interception. The Chargers lost all five games, scoring an average of 14.2 points.
As far as available free agents, these are the choices folks. No, Aaron Rodgers should not be a realistic option if Kellen Moore and the Saints possess an ounce of sanity. Along with Rodgers comes a narcissistic soap opera and a shadow of the player he used to be with likely demands of a guaranteed starting role. Good luck with whatever team (Pittsburgh) gets that mess.
Another scenario could be a trade for a veteran. If the New York Giants draft a quarterback high, they may look to part with newly signed veterans Russell Wilson or former Saint Jameis Winston. The Cleveland Browns could be in the same predicament if they use a high pick on a quarterback and may possibly move Kenny Pickett or Joe Flacco.
Again, all of these scenarios are less than ideal. If the Saints look to sign or especially trade for any of these listed names, it will probably only be as veteran insurance or competition to Spencer Rattler if they do not draft a quarterback in the first two days.
Source: Athlonsports
NFL
NFL NEWS: Aaron Rodgers confirms whether his next team will be Saints

NFL NEWS: Aaron Rodgers confirms whether his next team will be Saints
After rumors linking him to New Orleans, Aaron Rodgers has finally spoken out about the Saints. His clear comments about the possibility of joining Kellen Moore shed light on his next move, leaving fans eager to see how the Steelers fit into the picture.
Rodgers has publicly confirmed that he will not play for the Saints. After rumors linking him to that team following Derek Carr’s retirement, there is now no doubt that New Orleans is not an option for the veteran quarterback. So, one step closer to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
During an event with Mike Stud in Austin, a woman asked Rodgers this about his future: “So, we are from about an hour south of New Orleans and, as you know, we don’t have a quarterback and you are a free agent now. Would you ever consider playing for the Saints and making us great again.”

The Super Bowl champion quarterback’s response was direct: “No. That’s the answer. I played there a couple of times, but, no. The answer is no. I’m too old. I don’t want to live in Louisiana. Sorry.”
What team is Aaron Rodgers going to?
One thing is certain. Aaron Rodgers is not going to the New Orleans Saints, as the veteran quarterback publicly spoke about that option for the first time. Now, everything seems to indicate that his next team will be the Pittsburgh Steelers.
However, given Rodgers’ delay in making a decision, one option that still can’t be ruled out is retirement. Aaron looked very relaxed during the event and, although he dropped hints about a possible move to Pittsburgh, the reality is that nothing is set in stone.
Who is the QB for the Saints right now?
What’s interesting is that, amid all the uncertainty surrounding the situation, there is at least one official answer: the Saints have no chance of signing Aaron Rodgers. As of now, their starting quarterback is between Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler.
NFL
“The Saint of the Bayou: Drew Brees’ Enduring Legacy in New Orleans

“The Saint of the Bayou: Drew Brees’ Enduring Legacy in New Orleans”
In the city of New Orleans, where jazz flows like the Mississippi River and Mardi Gras reigns supreme, one name stands tall among the sports pantheon: Drew Brees. The legendary quarterback’s impact on the city and the New Orleans Saints transcends the gridiron, weaving itself into the very fabric of the community.
A Saint Among Saints
Drew Brees’ journey to New Orleans was nothing short of serendipitous. After a storied collegiate career at Purdue University, Brees was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in 2001. Though he showed flashes of brilliance, it wasn’t until he donned the black and gold of the Saints in 2006 that his career truly flourished. With the guidance of coach Sean Payton and a talented roster, Brees transformed the Saints into a perennial powerhouse.
Super Bowl XLIV Champion
The crowning jewel of Brees’ career is undoubtedly the Saints’ Super Bowl XLIV victory over the Indianapolis Colts in 2010. With 25 seconds remaining, Brees led a masterful drive, culminating in Lance Calloway’s game-sealing touchdown reception. The city erupted in jubilation, and Brees, overcome with emotion, celebrated with his teammates and the delirious Saints faithful.
The Numbers Speak
Brees’ statistical résumé is staggering: NFL record-holder for career passing yards (77,848), completions (7,142), and attempts (10,568). He boasts 571 touchdown passes and a passer rating of 97.8. These numbers only scratch the surface of his greatness, as Brees’ intelligence, work ethic, and leadership elevated those around him.
Brees’ Impact on and off the Field
Beyond the stats, Brees’ impact on the city and its people cannot be overstated. Through the Brees Dream Foundation, he has supported numerous charitable initiatives, including the construction of the Brees Academy, a charter school in New Orleans. His tireless work ethic and commitment to community service have inspired countless fans and teammates alike.
A Lasting Legacy
As Brees’ playing career drew to a close, the city of New Orleans prepared to bid farewell to its beloved quarterback. Though his retirement marked the end of an era, Brees’ legacy will endure. The Saints’ iconic stadium, previously known as the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, was renamed the Caesars Superdome in 2021, but many fans still affectionately refer to it as “The Dome” or “The Brees Dome.”
The Future of the Saints
With Brees’ departure, the Saints have entered a new era, one marked by transition and rebirth. Though the quarterback position will undoubtedly be filled by a new face, the foundation laid by Brees will remain. His leadership, work ethic, and commitment to excellence will continue to inspire the Saints’ organization and its fans.
A Saint Forever
As the years pass, Drew Brees’ legend will only continue to grow. His name will be etched alongside other New Orleans sports icons, like Jackie Robinson and Deuce McAllister. Though he may no longer take the field, Brees’ impact on the city, the Saints, and the NFL will be felt for generations to come.
In the city of New Orleans, where jazz and joy flow freely, Drew Brees’ legacy will forever be woven into the fabric of the community. He may have hung up his cleats, but the Saint of the Bayou will always be revered as a hero, a champion, and a true leader.

Drew Brees’ Career Highlights:
– *Super Bowl XLIV Champion
– NFL Record-Holder for Career Passing Yards
– *7 Pro Bowl appearances
– *4 NFL passing yards leader
– *2 NFL passer rating leader
– *Brees Dream Foundation
The legacy of Drew Brees will continue to inspire and influence the city of New Orleans and the Saints organization for years to come. His impact on the NFL and the community is immeasurable, cementing his place as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.
NFL
Breaking News: Drew Brees Honored with Statue in Hometown of Austin, Texas

Breaking News: Drew Brees Honored with Statue in Hometown of Austin, Texas
The sun beamed down on an emotional crowd gathered in downtown Austin as a larger-than-life bronze statue of Drew Brees, the former New Orleans Saints quarterback and NFL legend, was officially unveiled in his hometown. The tribute honors not only Brees’ Hall of Fame-worthy football career but also his profound impact off the field—as a community leader, philanthropist, and symbol of perseverance.
The statue, commissioned by the City of Austin and funded in part by private donors and sports foundations, captures Brees in a dynamic pose: right arm raised, eyes forward, moments before releasing a pinpoint pass—an image etched into the memories of football fans across America. Positioned near Zilker Park, the statue will serve as a permanent reminder of a local boy who rose to the top of the sporting world while never forgetting his roots.
A Hero’s Welcome
Hundreds of fans, former teammates, city officials, and family members gathered for the unveiling ceremony, which featured speeches, tributes, and a surprise appearance by Sean Payton, Brees’ longtime head coach with the Saints.
“Drew has always represented everything that’s good about the game and the people who play it,” Payton said. “But more importantly, he showed that greatness isn’t just measured by touchdowns and trophies—it’s measured by the lives you touch.”
Brees, who retired from the NFL in 2021 after a storied 20-season career, was visibly moved as the statue was revealed. His wife Brittany and their four children stood beside him as he addressed the crowd.
“This city shaped who I am,” Brees said, his voice cracking with emotion. “I learned how to lead, how to fail, how to get back up—right here in Austin. This statue may have my face on it, but it belongs to all of you.”
Career of Excellence
A graduate of Westlake High School, Brees first made headlines in Texas high school football before starring at Purdue University and later being drafted by the San Diego Chargers in 2001. However, it was in New Orleans where he became a legend. Arriving in 2006 in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Brees helped revive both a devastated city and a struggling football team.
With the Saints, Brees became the NFL’s all-time leader in passing yards (until recently surpassed by Tom Brady), was selected to 13 Pro Bowls, and led New Orleans to its first and only Super Bowl victory in 2010. His incredible accuracy, leadership, and ability to elevate those around him made him a fan favorite and one of the most respected players in league history.
“He made us believe again,” said Saints fan and Austin native Carla Mendoza, who attended the unveiling wearing a black and gold #9 jersey. “What he did for New Orleans, and what he continues to do for people, can’t be captured in stats. This statue is perfect.”
More Than Football
Beyond his on-field achievements, Brees has built a legacy rooted in service. His Brees Dream Foundation has donated over \$45 million to charitable causes, including cancer research, education, and rebuilding efforts across the Gulf Coast.
The City of Austin also recognized Brees’ efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he provided millions in food and relief for struggling families. In his post-playing career, Brees has become a broadcaster, investor, and mentor, always maintaining his Texas ties and commitment to youth development.
“This statue is not just about football,” said Austin Mayor Kirk Watson during the ceremony. “It’s about character. It’s about a man who made it to the top and reached back to lift others along the way.”
Community Response
Reaction from the Austin community has been overwhelmingly positive. A public campaign to determine the statue’s location led to its placement in a highly visible plaza near the city’s sports complex, where youth leagues play every weekend.
“It’s fitting,” said Westlake High School football coach Todd Dodge, who coached Brees early in his career. “Every kid who walks past that statue will be reminded of what’s possible with hard work and heart.”
Brees also took time after the ceremony to speak with young athletes, sign autographs, and thank local supporters who helped him rise from Friday night lights to Super Bowl glory.
What’s Next for Brees
Though retired from professional football, Brees remains active in various ventures. He’s part-owner of multiple sports franchises, a regular NFL analyst, and a guest speaker at leadership and youth development conferences. While his life now moves beyond the field, the statue cements his place as a Texas icon.
As fans snapped photos and Brees posed with old coaches and new admirers alike, one young boy wearing a Westlake jersey asked Brees if he could throw a pass like him someday. The quarterback smiled and replied, “You already can—just believe in yourself.”
With that, Drew Brees walked away from the ceremony, leaving behind a bronze likeness in his image—but more importantly, a legacy of grit, generosity, and greatness that no statue could ever fully capture.
NFL
Insider Reveals Saints’ enters Possible Trade For Browns Quarterback

Insider Hints At Saints’ enters Possible Trade For Browns Quarterback
The New Orleans Saints entered the offseason with a fairly confusing quarterback situation, but it’s only gotten much more complicated.
Earlier this month, 34-year-old veteran starter Derek Carr decided to retire from the NFL due to a degenerative shoulder injury. Carr had two years remaining on his contract with the Saints, though it was far from certain he’d play out the rest of his tenure.
Though the Saints drafted former University of Louisville QB Tyler Shough in the second round of last month’s draft, they could easily be exploring other options at the position, either to compete for a starting role or spell Shough as the backup.
One team that’s been consistently mentioned as a fit for the Saints to find that second QB via trade has been the Cleveland Browns. With veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett competing for the starting job, the Browns drafted two signal-callers of their own in April, signaling that one of the older guys could be available.
However, Mary Cay Cabot of Cleveland.com doesn’t expect that to happen soon. But she didn’t rule out the possibility of a Saints-Browns trade down the road, and also named who she thought the Browns would be most interested in acquiring.
“The Browns have no plans to trade any of their quarterbacks at this point,” Cabot wrote. “They’re intent on conducting this four-way quarterback competition… (but) by roster cutdown day on Aug. 27, they will be prepared to part with at least one of the quarterbacks.”
“I would think the Saints or someone else would prefer one of the veterans such as Flacco, but Kellen Moore does know Pickett well from last season with the Eagles. The Browns are hoping that Pickett shows enough to be their starter or least their backup this season.”
Flacco, 40, certainly wouldn’t have the Saints on the doorstep of Super Bowl contention. But he’s looked surprisingly competent as a starter in his sparse appearances over the last two years, so perhaps he’s a last-ditch option.
Still, if the Saints want to find an extra QB before training camp opens, it doesn’t sound like the Browns will be their ideal partner.
NFL
Kellen Moore Saints to Sign 32-Year-Old Veteran Quarterback To Strengthen QB Room

Kellen Moore Saints to Sign 32-Year-Old Veteran Quarterback To Strengthen QB Room
The New Orleans Saints have a dangerously young quarterback room now with Derek Carr out of the picture.
Youthful signal-callers Tyler Shough (25) and Spencer Rattler (24) are Kellen Moore’s top two QBs on the depth chart, but where is the veteran presence mentoring Shough and Rattler on a daily basis? New Orleans should sign an older quarterback for that reason alone.
Enter Jeff Driskel, a free agent QB whose journeyman career and steady demeanor could provide what New Orleans’ quarterback room needs.
Driskel, 32, has navigated a nine-year NFL career across eight teams, showcasing resilience and adaptability. Drafted in the sixth round by the San Francisco 49ers in 2016, he has also played for the Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, Denver Broncos, Houston Texans, Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, and Washington Commanders.
His career stats include 24 games with 12 starts, completing 229 of 391 passes (58.6 percent) for 2,394 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, with a 6.4 yards per attempt average. While not a star, Driskel’s experience in diverse systems makes him a valuable mentor and reliable backup.
The Saints’ quarterback room is brimming with potential but lacks seasoning. Adding Driskel could mirror the role Marcus Mariota plays for Washington, offering guidance in the quarterback room and on the practice field.
Driskel’s familiarity with high-pressure situations, like starting for the Browns in Week 18 of the 2023 season, ensures he can step in if needed. With Moore installing a complex offensive system, Driskel’s veteran savvy could ease the transition for New Orleans’ young quarterbacks.
Signing Driskel aligns with the Saints’ need for a cost-effective, experienced QB2 or QB3 to complement their youth movement.
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