The New Orleans Saints find themselves in a precarious position as quarterback Derek Carr contemplates surgery for a shoulder injury that could sideline him for the entire 2025 season. The injury, which wasn’t a surprise to the team, highlights a troubling pattern of costly decisions by the Saints’ front office.
Carr’s contract carries a $20.4 million cap hit this year and an astronomical $59.67 million in dead money if he’s cut next season. These figures leave New Orleans with little financial flexibility to address their quarterback situation, forcing the franchise into another year of instability. Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener—who both underwhelmed in relief roles last season—appear poised for another opportunity, but their ceilings fall well below Carr’s.
This setback further underscores the Saints’ failure to secure a sustainable future at the game’s most critical position. With the ninth overall pick in the upcoming draft, New Orleans may look to Colorado standout Shedeur Sanders, but even that requires navigating trades to secure a higher draft slot.
Rumors about interest in Louisville’s Tyler Shough add to the uncertainty. For a team already burdened by cap mismanagement, these decisions could shape the franchise for years to come. The Saints’ repeated missteps—whether in long-term planning or navigating Carr’s injury risk—have left them scrambling yet again, clinging to the hope of finding answers in a turbulent offseason.
