Everything you need to know about Derek Carr’s injury and what the Saints do next

By Ross Jackson

The New Orleans Saints are in a precarious position headed into the 2025 NFL Draft. Derek Carr is dealing with a shoulder injury that has his future in New Orleans in doubt.

Here is a run through of some of the biggest questions and answers around Carr’s injury, the Saints’ future at quarterback and the enormous impact of this development.

How long could Derek Carr be out?

Per reports, the quarterback could miss a portion of the 2025 season with what is being called a “significant shoulder injury,” however it is considered likely that he could miss the entire season altogether. The potential for surgery could send him to an offseason injured list that ends his 2025 campaign before it has the chance to begin.

From The Insiders on @NFLNetwork: The #Saints now have a major QB question thanks to Derek Carr’s shoulder injury. pic.twitter.com/0set0CmlAb

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 11, 2025

What does this mean for Carr’s future with the Saints?

Even before this situation, it seemed that Carr’s time in New Orleans was set to come to an end after this year. The Saints restructured the quarterback’s contract, locking him in for the 2025 season. But the move did not marry the two together for 2026.

What are the salary cap implications if Carr is out for the year?

Provided the injury was football related and properly disclosed, both of which seem to be the case at this time, there will be no change to Carr’s salary cap impact. His money for 2025 was guaranteed at the time his deal was restructured ahead of the new league year. He will continue to carry his $20.462 million cap hit this season and will result in a large dead cap hit in 2026 and/or 2027 depending upon how the Saints choose to account for his expected departure next season.

The Saints’ decision to restructure Carr’s deal has been in question, especially if they did so with an understanding of the quarterback’s injury. We explained a possible set of reasoning for this move on Friday.

Who will be the Saints’ starting quarterback if Carr isn’t able to play in 2025?

The Saints have a few options here. They could turn things directly over to someone inside their building. Spencer Rattler would be the leader in that conversation. Rattler started six games last year while Carr was managing multiple injuries. New Orleans could also invest one of its top draft picks (they hold the No. 9 overall pick in the first round and the No. 40 overall selection in the second) in a quarterback that they feel could take the reins as the team’s future passer.  Names like Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, Jaxson Dart of Ole Miss and Louisville’s Tyler Shough have all carried a lot of momentum this offseason.

We broke down several possible young options shortly after the news broke.

The Saints could also try to pursue a veteran quarterback, but the options are limited on the open market.

Who are the veteran quarterbacks available?

The list of available passers in free agency include:

• Aaron Rodgers
• Teddy Bridgewater
• Carson Wentz
• Tyler Huntley
• Ben DiNucci (already on the roster)

Most of these candidates would more so bring mentorship rather than competitive prowess, but some do have key benefits if paired with a young passer.

Should the Saints draft a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft?

They certainly could, but don’t expect them to go for a reach. If a quarterback that they love and believe in is available at No. 9, taking that player would make sense. But otherwise, New Orleans is likely to continue addressing other needs on its roster, taking a passer when it makes the most sense. If that isn’t with the No. 9 overall pick, their second round pick or a mid-round selection could make sense depending on the value available otherwise.

Some have even advocated for the Saints to completely pass on quarterback this year, build their roster elsewhere and look to Rattler in 2025 with the fallback of addressing the position in 2026 if necessary.

I’m not bringing a QB into their current situation.

Trade back, start Rattler, stockpile picks, create a flexible cap in ‘25 and ‘26. They desperately need to rebuild (have needed to since 2022). https://t.co/S3bWZFylQU

— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) April 11, 2025

How did the injury happen?

We don’t know yet exactly the cause of Carr’s shoulder injury. However, per Matt Paras of NOLA.com, the injury was not tied to the concussion and left hand injuries he suffered in the Week 14 matchup with the New York Giants last season. Those ailments led to the end of his season.

How long have the Saints known about the new injury?

Per NewOrleans.Football’s Nick Underhill, the team has been aware of and in conversation with Carr about the situation for “a while.” However, there is not yet a definitive timeline on when the organization knew about the injury, when it took place or whether or not it was known of before Carr’s contract was restructured.

What has Spencer Rattler been doing to prepare in case he’s called upon?

Sources close to the quarterback describe his offseason process as “thorough and detailed,” to LouisianaSports.Net. The work includes focuses on pocket mobility, flexibility and tightening throwing mechanics. Rattler has worked with numerous wide receivers from draft eligible players like Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan and Stanford’s Elic Ayomanor, Saints wideout Kevin Austin Jr. and Rattler’s quarterback coach Mike Giovando.