In a statement, the New Orleans Saints announced that quarterback Derek Carr suffered an AC joint shoulder sprain. This left-field announcement happened at SDOT’s annual pre-draft presser on Wednesday. This bombshell opens the door on Carr’s future with the organization. The franchise’s preparations for the upcoming NFL season only serve to deepen the mystery. Carr, who joined the Saints in 2023 after the team failed to secure Deshaun Watson, now faces an uncertain status for the 2025 season and beyond.
The Saints have not released further information on Carr’s injury. This unusual silence has left fans and analysts all around still wondering if he’ll be ready to play come opening day 2023. Carr has missed the voluntary phase of the offseason program. This adds even further concern to his preparedness for the beginning of training camp.
Drafting Tyler Shough
After an assessment of Carr’s situation, the Saints decided to make a move. They continued their trend of going with the quarterback position in Tyler Shough who they picked No. 40 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. Shough could represent a sign that the Bears’ quarterback room is on the verge of taking a different form.
Shough has stated his desire to fight tooth and nail for a spot on their roster. He said, “I want to come in and compete. I’ll just put my best foot forward to make that team better. His competitive spirit will take him far as he steps into a talented QB room. He’ll be battling with Spencer Rattler, Jake Haener, and Ben DiNucci for snaps.
The fact that there are still three or four quarterbacks competing for playing time only thickens the cloud of uncertainty. Last year, Rattler was the de facto starter while Carr battled injuries. With the continued lack of a clear answer from either option, the Saints’ plan now has them navigating through the disappointments into 2025 and beyond.
Competing for a Spot
With Carr’s status in limbo, Shough won’t be guaranteed any roster spot against the likes of Rattler, Haener, and DiNucci for a prized roster slot. Each player comes with a powerful skill set and experience, so the competition is intense.
It will be his adaptability and his iron will that prove most tested as he traverses this cutthroat climate. He understood the hard work that was still in front of us. He said as I quote, “You’re going to have to discuss negative plays, and negative plays are inevitable.” This outlook is indicative of his belief that true growth only happens from facing and finding a way beyond adversity.
Once again, offseason practices begin in May. Should Carr choose to remain out, Shough and the rest of these signal-callers will seize the opportunity to do everything they can to prove themselves. The result of this battle will be very impactful on the Saints’ plan for the future.
Leadership Dynamics
The leadership and decision-making structures within the Saints’ organization have taken center stage. New Head Coach Sean Payton was determined to sign free agent Drew Brees. In stark contrast, newly minted head coach Dennis Allen was all for bringing in Derek Carr. This apparent lack of communication highlights the divide in the franchise about their future at quarterback.
Chargers OC Kellen Moore has been involved in the conversations surrounding Carr’s future. He didn’t strongly back Carr as early as February. The coaching staff is eager to find out what else might be out there. They should be worried that Carr’s injury could have a direct impact on his performance or availability.
So now the Saints have entered a critical juncture as they attempt to decide what direction to go in at quarterback. With Tyler Shough entering the mix, combined with the uncertainty surrounding Derek Carr’s recovery, decisions made in the coming months will shape the team’s trajectory.
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