As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the New Orleans Saints face significant uncertainty at quarterback. Derek Carr, the team’s starter for the past two seasons, may be sidelined for the upcoming campaign due to a shoulder injury. With the No. 9 overall pick in hand and an aging quarterback battling health issues, the Saints are viewed as a prime candidate to draft a quarterback in the first round.
Speaking ahead of Thursday’s first round, Saints general manager Mickey Loomis addressed the situation but offered limited details. “He does have an issue with his shoulder,” Loomis said Wednesday. “We’re hoping to get some resolution and clarity on that in the near future, and when we do, I’ll report back to you. Otherwise, I don’t have any more to state about Derek.”
Rapoport previously reported that Carr is considering surgery which could impact his availability for the 2025 season. Should Carr be sidelined, the Saints’ current fallback options are Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler.
Although Loomis stayed vague on the severity of Carr’s injury, he emphasized that it won’t influence the Saints’ draft strategy. “I don’t think the draft approach for us is any different than it would be in any year,” he stated.
The Saints hold nine total picks, including four in the first two days (No. 9, 40, 71, and 93). Many analysts link them to quarterback prospects such as Shedeur Sanders(widely considered the draft’s No. 2 quarterback) or Jaxson Dart.
Whether the Saints are willing to use a top-10 pick on either player remains an open question.
