Saints Eye Potential Draft Trade With Patriots Amid Uncertainty Around $150 Million QB…
With 35-year-old Kellen Moore taking over as head coach and a mostly healthy squad, the 2025 New Orleans Saints appeared primed to not only return to the playoffs for the first time since 2020, but also to contend for the NFC South crown.
“There’s still a lane for us to be happy. The hype’s in Chicago, but we’ve got a shot,” said veteran defensive end Cam Jordan during a Wednesday NFL Network interview. “Let’s be real. The Bucs won the NFC South last year at 10-7, the year before that it was 9-8, and before that 8-9. It’s right there for the taking.”
Jordan did offer a cautious note: “When we’re healthy, we’re a top-tier team.” Unfortunately, by Friday, that wasn’t the case anymore.
The Saints were dealt a major blow at quarterback when Derek Carr revealed a shoulder injury — reportedly to his throwing shoulder. The severity isn’t confirmed, but multiple sources suggest it could require surgery.
If so, Carr — who was already limited to 10 games in 2024 due to hand and other injuries — could be sidelined for the entire 2025 season, despite being in year three of a four-year, $150 million deal.
Quarterback Now a Top Draft Target for New Orleans
Unless the team opts to roll with second-year QB Spencer Rattler, who struggled in six starts last season (57% completion rate, 5 INTs to 4 TDs), the Saints are expected to target a quarterback in the upcoming draft.
Holding the No. 9 overall pick, New Orleans might have a shot at Colorado star Shedeur Sanders, son of Deion Sanders. Miami’s Cam Ward is projected to go first overall to the Titans, but Sanders’ stock has varied, meaning he could still be on the board when the Saints pick.
Trading Up With Patriots Could Be Key
If Sanders is taken before No. 9 — possibly by teams like the Browns at No. 2 or the Jets at No. 7 — New Orleans may need to trade up. The Patriots, picking at No. 4, could be an ideal trade partner. With QB Drake Maye already in place and their top non-QB targets potentially gone before their pick, New England may be open to moving down to accumulate more draft capital.
NESN’s Jason Ounpraseuth suggested the Saints could offer the No. 9 pick, multiple other selections, and possibly wide receiver Chris Olave — who had 87 catches for over 1,100 yards and five touchdowns last year — in exchange. With a pressing need at receiver to support Maye, Olave could be a tempting addition for new Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel.
