Derek Carr’s status for the 2025 season may be in jeopardy due to a shoulder injury.

In a significant turn of events for the New Orleans Saints, veteran quarterback Derek Carr finds himself grappling with a shoulder injury that could severely compromise his ability to play in the upcoming 2025 NFL season. League sources revealed that both Carr and the Saints were expecting the possibility of this injury, and discussions about potential surgical interventions are underway. Carr’s tumultuous 2024 season, which ended prematurely due to a fracture in his non-throwing hand coupled with earlier oblique issues, added precedent to the unease surrounding his health, a situation further complicated by the Saints’ lackluster performance last season (5-12 overall, 5-5 with Carr as starter). This injury brings into sharp focus the Saints’ strategic options in the upcoming NFL Draft, where they hold the ninth overall pick. Historically, the Saints have made strong moves to secure quarterback talent in recent drafts, with three of their last four picks dedicated to the position. However, the stark reality is that Carr's health hiccup forces the team into a state of urgency, particularly regarding their quest for a viable second-string option. Backup quarterbacks Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler have combined for an unimpressive 0-7 record, presenting minimal assurance for the Saints’ quarterback situation. As speculation mounts, the Saints are likely to reevaluate their draft approach. With the draft looming, they may be more inclined to use their first-round pick to secure another quarterback, potentially jeopardizing their overall draft strategy. This is compounded by competitive leverage; other teams are now acutely aware of the Saints’ precarious situation, making trades potentially more costly. Moreover, if the team selects a project quarterback like Shedeur Sanders, they might be compelled to hasten his development with Carr's availability in jeopardy. It’s plausible that the Saints may now opt for a quarterback sooner rather than later, which alters traditional developmental plans. Adding to the intrigue is the diminishing pool of available veteran quarterbacks. With notable veterans like Joe Flacco signing elsewhere, the Saints' options for a reliable backup or bridge quarterback are rapidly thinning. The looming specter of Carr’s injury is transforming a once-steady quarterback room into a precarious puzzle, compelling the Saints to face difficult decisions that have ramifications for their immediate future and long-term progression. With such a murky situation now unfolding, all eyes will be on the Saints as they navigate these turbulent times ahead of the crucial draft event, painting a picture ripe with uncertainty for a franchise that appears at a crucial crossroads.