By Ross Jackson
Derek Carr’s injury dramatically changes the New Orleans Saints’ outlook at quarterback for 2025. The ripple effects of him being out for the seasons go beyond one position group.
If Carr is either out of New Orleans or unable to take the field in the upcoming season, the Saints seem primed to turn to a young quarterback. Either second-year passer Spencer Rattler or a rookie from this year’s draft could be the team’s future.
Year 1 down for Spencer Rattler 🐍
📺 https://t.co/KlYFEtTVGF pic.twitter.com/m2bIQB2hza
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) January 27, 2025
In either case, New Orleans will now need surefire production at certain positions that can be overcome with a veteran passer but could be very challenging for those newer to the NFL.
Offensive line, pass-catcher and running back should now be even more emphasized in this year’s draft.
Offensive line
Last season, the Saints surrendered just 37 sacks, ranking No. 12 in fewest allowed. While New Orleans was surprisingly effective in keeping its quarterback upright, a breakdown by passer shows the concern the team could face in 2025.
Sacks by Quarterback in 2024
- Jake Haener: 6 (1 game started)
- Derek Carr: 8 (10 games started)
- Spencer Rattler: 22 (7 games started)
Each passer was subject to injuries on the offensive line and at skill positions to varying degrees. Without much surprise, Carr’s 11 years of starting experience looks to have allowed him to navigate the situation with more success while the more inexperienced passers struggled.
The Saints look likely to turn to a young passer in 2025. Bolstering the offensive line looks like an even more important investment to make than it already was.
Pass-Catcher
There are arguments to be made regarding which prototype would be most worth investing in for this situation. A big-bodied tight end or wide receiver can quickly become a young quarterback’s best friend. But a yards after catch threat could be equally valuable.
One allows you to get the ball out quickly and fire into tighter windows and contested situations while the other can turn a five-yard slant into a 60-yard house call.
Either investment could play a major role in securing success for a young quarterback.
Running back
Nothing takes the pressure off of a passing game than an effective run game.
Running the ball gives the offensive play caller the full playbook which keeps the full responsibility of making plays off of the passer. It can also provide more effective play action and RPO usage, allowing the quarterback more time to get a look at the defense. The additional eye candy could have a big impact on the opposing team.
A balanced and effective run game also allows a team to control the clock and play a bit of keep-away rather than engaging in a back-and-forth shootout.
It also never hurts to have a check down option that can turn nothing into something out of the backfield pass game.
These three areas were always likely to be under focus with Carr under center. But if he won’t be there for 2025 or potentially beyond, these elements of the game could make or break the success that could be found with a younger quarterback.
