New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr is at the center of controversy after reports surfaced about a shoulder injury that could keep him out for the 2025 NFL season.
Some NFL insiders, including The Athletic's Dianna Russini and Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, are questioning the severity of the injury, suggesting it may be part of a strategic move by Carr. They’ve labeled the situation as "trade bait", with many speculating Carr is using the injury to influence his future with the team.
The timing of the injury report, just weeks before the 2025 NFL Draft where the Saints hold the No. 9 pick, has only fueled further speculation. The Saints are reportedly eyeing a new quarterback, which has led some to believe Carr may be trying to pressure the team into a trade. Former Saints linebacker Scott Shanle even criticized Carr’s response as "thin-skinned". Now, many are left wondering if Carr is truly injured or if he's leveraging the situation to get what he wants.
Is It Really About Trade Bait?
Matt Moscona, a prominent Louisiana sports commentator, added fuel to the fire surrounding Carr’s reported shoulder injury by reacting to growing speculation that it’s more about trade value than health. Citing a 104.5 ESPN report referencing Russini, who said league sources view the injury as "trade bait", Moscona didn’t hold back.
In a post on X, he wrote, “If you thought Derek Carr couldn't be any less likeable... read this,” calling the situation “wild” while backing Russini’s credibility. His tweet quickly stirred debate among Saints fans, with reactions split between mocking Carr and defending him.
The article Moscona referenced highlights how the injury news reportedly came from Carr’s own camp, raising doubts about its legitimacy. On the Scoop City podcast, Russini said it was hard to find anyone in the league who believed the injury was serious. With the Saints holding the No. 9 pick in the upcoming draft and expected to target a quarterback, Carr’s standing with the team appears more uncertain than ever. Comments from former quarterback Chase Daniel furthered the narrative, echoing the belief that this could be a strategic move by Carr to avoid being phased out.
Whether Carr is truly hurt or trying to control his future, one thing is clear — his time in New Orleans might be running out. As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on what the Saints do next.
-1744122390-q80.webp "Red Sox Manager Alex Cora Predicts Jarren Duran's Admission Will 'Save Lives'")