Beyond the Draft: Unpacking the Saints’ Options at Quarterback

New Orleans Saints fans went into the NFL Draft with the expectations that the team would address the quarterback position during the weekend. With some expecting the Saints to use their first round pick on a quarterback like Shedeur Sanders, or use the pick as leverage to trade for another QB.

But what the Saints did wasn't exactly what most fans were hoping for. Which leaves many hoping for a second piece to the puzzle.

The Need for a Quarterback Solution

The whole reason fans were expecting a quarterback addition is Derek Carr's injury status. When your current starting quarterback is entering the final stages of his career, is running out of time on his contract, and has a shoulder injury that could cost him the entire season, you need to find some solutions.

If Carr was healthy going into offseason workouts, making a subtle move to add QB depth would satisfy a lot of fans. But when the fanbase is feeling like the team is completely ignoring the most important position on the field, they start looking for ways it could make sense. Reading every rumor as "the real move" or expecting the team to be ahead of them.

New Orleans Saints Drafting Tyler Shough

In the draft, the Saints waited until the 2nd Round to draft Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough.

While many reporters and fans have issues with Shough's mechanics and lack of high level performance at the college level, others brough up his age as an issue. Even though Shough just got drafter, he's coming into the year as a 25-year-old rookie.

At the time Shough was drafted, he was the same age as quarterbacks that have already spent years in the NFL. He was the same age as Brock Purdy (25), Trevor Lawrence (25), Will Levis (25), and Bo Nix (25). He's older than quarterbacks who have already started games in the NFL, like C.J. Stroud (23), Bryce Young (23), Jayden Daniels (24), Drake Maye (22), Anthony Richardson (22), and Caleb Williams (23).

Post-Draft Veteran Options

While we're talking about age, the Saints' only other option to address the quarterback position post-draft appears to be players looking to hold on at the end of their career. Which means two options.

The Saints have been linked to a couple of former multi-time Pro Bowl selections.

Potential Target: Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers has been talking to teams since the New York Jets informed him that they will not be needing his services in the 2025 season. He's been deeply connected to the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the Saints interest has been mild at best. However, the 41-year-old free agent could fit well with an offensive minded coach like Kellen Moore, and could really make some noise with weapons like Chris Olave, Brandin Cooks, and Alvin Kamara.

The biggest things, besides a lack of interest, that could keep Rodgers away is the Saints salary cap. If Rodgers is unwilling to take a REALLY low, short term, deal...the Saints are probably out.

Potential Target: Kirk Cousins

There is another aging quarterback that the Saints could bring in to Band-Aid their starting quarterback position. But they will have to deal within the NFC South.

The Atlanta Falcons have made it clear they're going to be using Michael Penix Jr. as their starting quarterback moving forward. Which means they are currently holding on to a $45 million backup quarterback with Kirk Cousins.

So the Falcons have openly been shopping Cousins to other teams, and are even offering to pay for over half of Cousins contract if a team is willing to take him. This desperation could lead to them actually trading Cousins inside the division.

The Saints could decide to trade for Cousins, who will be 37-years-old at the start of the NFL season. If they do, Cousins could hold down the starting role while Shough adjusts to the NFL.

This move might be unlikely for a few reasons though. Because you'd have to have two division teams agree to help each other, you'd have to hope the Saints can find that salary cap money, or you'd need the Falcons to take even more of Cousins' salary to play against them twice this year.

Running with Shough in Week 1?

At the end of the day, the Saints may actually be planning to just run Shough out there as their starter Week 1.