Report: Saints 'In the Quarterback Business' – Could Trade $40 Million Starter

For those unfamiliar with his work, Nick Underhill is widely considered to be one of the best and most informed analysts on the New Orleans beat. While he admits nothing is set in stone, the Saints are clearly preparing for a potential future without Carr. Now entering his age-34 season, Derek Carr is not the long-term answer in New Orleans, and it stands to reason the team could trade him if they fall in love with a prospect. The only question is, which teams could take him, and which prospects could steal Kellen Moore’s heart.

Saints Could Trade Derek Carr Following 2025 NFL Draft

As of this posting, most teams appear to have resolved their quarterback needs, with two notable exceptions. With the Tennessee Titans set to select Cam Ward with the first-overall pick, the Cleveland Browns may be left all alone at the altar. Nobody wants to witness Kenny Pickett under center in Week 1, and Deshaun Watson will miss 2025 with an Achilles injury. If Cleveland isn’t in love with Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, then they’d probably prefer to trade for Derek Carr instead of Kirk Cousins.

The Pittsburgh Steelers, meanwhile, appear to be the favorite landing spot for four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers. However, the controversial quarterback is taking his dear sweet time putting pen to paper and signing a contract. If the team is already tired of his antics, they could choose to trade for Derek Carr, who might be the better option at this stage in their respective careers.

The Saints could draft a quarterback and keep him on the bench for 2025 while Carr serves as a short-term starter. However, if New Orleans believes they can find their franchise quarterback, then Carr and his massive contract could be a detriment to the roster. However, which prospect makes the most sense for this team?

Who Will the Saints Draft?

The New Orleans Saints currently have the ninth-overall pick in what is widely believed to be a weak quarterback draft class. Miami’s Cam Ward will almost certainly go off the board with the first-overall pick, while other quarterback-needy teams like the Browns, New York Giants, and New York Jets will battle the Saints for the remaining prospects.

Colorado’s Sheduer Sanders is generally considered to be the second-best quarterback in this class, but Jaxson Dart out of Ole Miss may have a higher ceiling. While the offense wasn’t the most complex, the NFL hopeful has all the tools needed to become a starting option for the next decade. Perhaps a year on the bench could do him well, but don’t be surprised if the Saints trade Derek Carr if they select Dart and the rookie performs well in the offseason.