NFL
New Orleans Saints Next QB: Derek Carr’s Future In Doubt; Is Sheduer Sanders Next?
Colin Lynch covers the NFL, MLB and WNBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the New England Patriots. His sports coverage has been featured on The Sports Daily and Basketball Insiders, as well as FanSided's Chowder & Champions. A New Hampshire native and former D1 baseball player at St. John's University, Colin was drafted by the San Diego Padres in 2008 and enjoyed a four-year professional baseball career.
Get to know Colin Lynch betterPublished14 Apr 2025
Derek Carr’s shoulder injury adds more uncertainty to a team already strapped by cap space and quarterback inconsistency.
The New Orleans Saints are no strangers to quarterback instability. But after a turbulent 2024 campaign, the concern has now shifted from performance to health.
Veteran quarterback Derek Carr is reportedly weighing his options for a shoulder injury that could sideline him for the start of the 2025 season — or longer. According to multiple reports, the 34-year-old signal-caller is exploring various medical paths, including potential surgery. Either outcome leaves his availability for Week 1 in serious question.
This setback only compounds the Saints’ mounting concerns at the most important position on the field.
The #Saints suddenly have a major QB question: Starter Derek Carr is now dealing with a shoulder injury that threatens his availability for this season, sources say.
Carr is weighing options, including the possibility of surgery. pic.twitter.com/QNdc9ipE8P
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 11, 2025
The Cost of Restructuring
Carr, who restructured his contract last month to provide New Orleans with much-needed salary cap relief, now looms large over the franchise’s financial future. The move freed up $30.9 million in cap space for 2025 but ballooned his 2026 cap number to a staggering $69.2 million.
For a franchise already facing a projected $25.9 million deficit against the 2026 salary cap, the timing of Carr’s injury couldn’t be worse.
Worse still is the fact that Carr’s restructured deal comes with void years — meaning even if he’s not playing for the Saints, his cap hit will remain a factor long after he’s gone.
Searching for the Next Man Up
Carr missed time in 2024 due to an oblique injury, and his season ended prematurely in Week 14 after suffering a fractured hand and concussion on a vicious hit. The Saints turned to rookie Spencer Rattler, who started six games in relief but failed to register a win.
Derek Carr is dealing with a shoulder injury that could threaten his availability for this season..@_BigBen7 knew that a starting Quarterback in the NFL was dealing with an injury #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/nVPgboEC63
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 14, 2025
Rattler’s 0-6 mark doesn’t inspire much confidence, but with only Ben DiNucci and Jake Haener behind him, the options are limited. All three quarterbacks on the roster remain unproven in long-term roles.
That leaves the 2025 NFL Draft as a possible path forward — and a potential pivot point for the franchise.
Could the Saints Turn to the Draft?
Holding the No. 9 overall pick in April’s draft, the Saints may have a shot at landing their quarterback of the future. Miami standout Cam Ward is expected to go early, and likely won’t fall to No. 9. But Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, has emerged as a possible target.
Derek Carr may be out for the season with a shoulder injury. The New Orleans Saints should Draft Shedeur Sanders. Give him Chris Olave, Brandin Cooks, Shaheed, Kamara, an improved O-Line and a veteran defense that is ready to win. The Saints need a spark. Shedeur is that spark. pic.twitter.com/I21o7uMzsj
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) April 11, 2025
At BetMGM, the Saints are currently favored to select Sanders, whose arm talent and big-game experience could offer New Orleans a long-term solution — especially if Carr’s health continues to trend in the wrong direction.
That would be a bold move, but given their financial limitations and injury uncertainties, bold might be exactly what the Saints need.
Saints Facing a Crossroads
Carr still has one year remaining on his deal beyond 2025, but his injuries and escalating cap hit have thrown the team’s future into question.
Can Rattler develop fast enough to hold down the job? Will the Saints package picks to move up in the draft? Or will Carr surprise everyone, recover in time, and try to lead one more run in black and gold?
Right now, nothing is certain — except that the Saints, once again, are staring down a high-stakes decision at quarterback.
