Veteran QBs the Saints could add after Carr injury
04/11/2025
By Ross Jackson
The New Orleans Saints may soon be forced to hand the keys to their offense to a young quarterback. Previous starter Derek Carr may be unavailable to start the 2025 season and may even be off the table for the entire year thanks to a throwing arm shoulder injury.
The Saints can turn to a rookie or choose to build their roster elsewhere in this year’s draft and give incumbent option Spencer Rattler a chance to lead the way with a healthier roster featuring newly drafted weapons.
In either case, another veteran passer in the quarterback room could be of value. Here are some of the Saints’ options starting with a player already in the building.
Saints QB Ben DiNucci
Already on the roster, DiNucci has been credited as a future coach already during his career. He was with the team last year, meaning that the organization is familiar with him. His value wouldn’t necessarily be outstanding as a potential spot starter, but as a mentor he has the smarts to help translate the game for a young passer.
DiNucci doesn’t only have familiarity with the organization, he also has some with the coaching staff. He played under head coach Kellen Moore in 2020 and 2021 with the Dallas Cowboys when Moore was the team’s offensive coordinator. So, not only does DiNucci have the smarts regarding the game, he has knowledge of what Moore likes and may look to do in New Orleans.
Free Agent QB Teddy Bridgewater
The Saints have been all about reunions this offseason and this one would come with much fanfare. Bridgewater made his return to the NFL late last year, re-signing with the Detroit Lions. If he is interested in signing somewhere again this season, a return to New Orleans would be a home run from both a public relations and mentorship perspective. Bridgewater has the personality and culture-building attitude perfect for such an important role to a young quarterback.
Free Agent QB Aaron Rodgers
An unlikely scenario could lead to the Saints pursuing Rodgers, who is expected to land with the Pittsburgh Steelers at some point this offseason. While New Orleans would be justified in their interest, the reciprocal interest feels likely to be underwhelming. Especially from a mentorship perspective. Rodgers is likely to look for a place where he can try to finish his career on a high note. Doing so with a first-year head coach leading a team that’s ready to turn the page to its future may not present the type of opportunity for which Rodgers may be looking.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport mused this possibility with Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football Friday evening.
Would Aaron Rodgers look at the Saints if the Saints looked at Aaron Rodgers? Ian Rapoport joined our stream to answer this and more (Link below) https://t.co/FgL87NyGTg pic.twitter.com/k2hpC7OaXe
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) April 12, 2025
Free Agent QB Carson Wentz
From a starting perspective, Wentz doesn’t provide much confidence. But from a mentorship angle, he could be an interesting option. Let’s face it, Wentz has faced his fair share of adversity across the league. After spending his first five seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, the 2016 second-overall pick has been with four teams in the last four years. Landing with his fifth in five years would put him in an interesting position to provide some perspective about the peaks and valleys of the NFL. The question is whether or not he would have the knowledge of Moore’s system, or elements of it, to help translate the game for a first or second-year starter.