The New Orleans Saints will formally have a brand new beginning quarterback in 2025 after Derek Carr shocked the NFL world on Saturday by saying his retirement. Nevertheless, it’s unclear who that quarterback will likely be.
Listed here are 5 choices that will make sense because the Saints’ beginning quarterback in Week 1:
Tyler Shough
The obvious alternative for Carr is already on the roster. The Saints chosen Shough with the fortieth general choose within the 2025 NFL Draft. New Orleans was excessive sufficient on Shough to draft him forward of Jalen Milroe, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, to call a couple of.
New Saints head coach Kellen Moore is a former quarterback who has made a reputation for himself as an offensive play-caller. He might need to begin growing Shough instantly, even when the rookie will undoubtedly expertise some rising pains.
Jameis Winston
Winston signed a two-year, $8M contract with the New York Giants this offseason, loaded with performance-based incentives. Whereas he’s technically second on the depth chart behind Russell Wilson, his path to taking part in time is difficult. The Giants traded as much as draft Jaxson Dart within the first spherical and are extremely excessive on the previous Ole Miss star, making Winston the odd man out.
Winston performed for the Saints for 4 seasons from 2020 to 2024 and went 6-4 as a starter. If he had been to be launched or grow to be out there by way of commerce, there could be loads of familiarity between the 2 sides.
Ryan Tannehill
After spending the final 5 years with the Tennessee Titans, Tannehill didn’t play final season, however he’s nonetheless searching for a brand new group. The 36-year-old reportedly drew interest from a contender earlier this offseason.
Tannehill, who made the Professional Bowl in 2019, has stated he’ll solely signal with a group if the chance is sensible. If the Saints need Shough to spend time on the bench, Tannehill is perhaps an intriguing choice.
Taylor Heinicke
Heinicke signed with the Los Angeles Chargers this offseason to again up Justin Herbert, however he in all probability wouldn’t value a lot in a commerce. If the Saints are searching for expertise, Heinicke has loads of it.
The 32-year-old began 29 video games throughout his NFL profession, most with Washington. He has handed for six,663 yards, 39 touchdowns and 28 interceptions. Heinicke additionally has 608 dashing yards and three touchdowns on the bottom in his profession.
Aaron Rodgers
Ah, sure, the massive one. The Pittsburgh Steelers allegedly hope to signal Rodgers, however the four-time NFL MVP stays a free agent. Some imagine the 2 sides have a handshake settlement in place, however a report this week forged serious doubt on that.
The Saints ought to name Rodgers, who will not be offered on taking part in in Pittsburgh. Although New Orleans just isn’t a legit contender, taking part in for a former quarterback like Moore may curiosity Rodgers.
