New Orleans has been shaken up by the unexpected retirement of Saints quarterback Derek Carr, announced on Saturday morning. Carr’s departure creates a significant void in the quarterback room, which now consists of Jake Haener, Spencer Rattler, and Tyler Shough. While the loss of Carr is felt keenly, it also opens up considerable financial flexibility for the Saints moving forward.
With Carr stepping away from the game, the Saints no longer have to commit to the $30 million that was guaranteed to him for the 2025 season. This shift allows the team to explore the free agency market and potentially secure one or two top-tier players to bolster their roster. NFL analyst and former quarterback Robert Griffin III suggested that the Saints should consider pursuing Aaron Rodgers, another prominent name in free agency who remains unsigned.
Despite being on the market for some time, Rodgers has yet to find a new team. Currently, the only franchise actively interested in the veteran quarterback is the Pittsburgh Steelers, presenting Rodgers with a choice between heading to Pittsburgh or hanging up his cleats for good. The Saints could see Rodgers as a fitting option as they search for a bridge quarterback, though the expectations for a Super Bowl run would be tempered.
In this role, Rodgers could provide valuable experience and mentorship to the younger quarterbacks in the mix—Haener, Rattler, and Shough. However, to entice Rodgers away from the Steelers or retirement, the Saints would need to offer a competitive contract that reflects his experience and potential contributions to the team.
As the NFL enters this new phase of offseason movement, all eyes will be on New Orleans to see how they navigate this sudden change and whether they will pursue a seasoned veteran to lead their quarterback room.
