A report provides fresh information on Saints quarterback Derek Carr’s shoulder issue before to the draft.

In summary, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport first broke news that Carr is dealing with a “serious” shoulder injury that could threaten his availability for the 2025 season . Subsequent reports from ESPN’s Katherine Terrell revealed Carr is weighing treatment options including surgery as the Saints’ offseason program approaches . Sports Illustrated’s Karl Rasmussen and The Athletic’s Dianna Russini uncovered insider skepticism—some personnel view the timing as “fishy” or even “trade bait” . The fresh revelations have intensified speculation that New Orleans will target a quarterback with its No. 9 pick—an approach reinforced by mock drafts across ESPN, SB Nation, and USA Today . Meanwhile, league‐wide ripple effects include potential trade discussions with the Raiders, Patriots, and other QB‐needy teams .

Background: Carr’s Journey to New Orleans

Derek Carr, a second‑round pick by the Raiders in 2014, enjoyed a decade of Pro Bowl‑caliber play in Las Vegas before signing a four‑year, $150 million deal with the Saints in March 2023 .
In his first season in New Orleans, Carr posted career highs in attempts (623) and yards (3,878) while displaying his trademark durability—appearing in all 17 games despite a midseason AC joint sprain .
The 2024 campaign was more turbulent; Carr missed seven games with oblique and hand injuries, going 5–5 in starts and finishing with 2,145 yards, 15 touchdowns, and a career‑high interception rate .
Heading into 2025, Carr entered his age‑34 season under a contract restructured to convert $28.7 million of his base salary into a signing bonus, effectively binding him to New Orleans through 2025 .

Initial Reports of the Shoulder Issue

On April 11, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Carr is “dealing with a shoulder injury that threatens his availability for the upcoming season,” breaking the news mere days before the Saints’ offseason conditioning program was set to begin .
Nick Shook’s follow‑up on NFL.com noted Carr is “weighing his options—including the possibility of surgery,” a development that could reshape both his personal offseason and the Saints’ draft plans .
Shortly thereafter, CBS Sports’ Jordan Dajani confirmed the injury’s seriousness, reporting that Carr was “exploring his options, which reportedly include surgery,” though exact medical details remained undisclosed .

Fresh Details Emerge: Severity and Source

ESPN’s Katherine Terrell expanded on Rapoport’s scoop, writing that Carr’s status for the 2025 season is now in question “as the team begins its first 2025 preparations under new coach Kellen Moore” .
Terrell added Carr last dealt with a shoulder issue in 2023 when he sprained his AC joint, but did not miss games; this new injury appears distinct and potentially more severe .
According to Reuters, while the Saints internally restructured Carr’s contract last month in a show of confidence, the fresh injury report stands in stark contrast to public statements from GM Mickey Loomis and head coach Kellen Moore affirming Carr as the 2025 starter .
SB Nation’s Taylor Crewe noted the injury’s timing “may accelerate New Orleans’ interest” in prospect Shedeur Sanders, hinting at the growing urgency in the quarterback room .
Canal Street Chronicles’ Field Yates emphasized that Carr’s future is “currently weighing treatment options, including potential surgery,” underscoring the decision’s proximity .

Insider Reactions: “Fishy,” “Trade Bait,” and Strategy

Sports Illustrated’s Karl Rasmussen reported that some NFL insiders believe the shoulder news originated from Carr’s camp rather than team sources, dubbing it a “smokescreen” to apply pressure on the organization .
On her Scoop City podcast, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini labeled the situation “fishy,” noting texts from league personnel casting doubt on the timing and authenticity of Carr’s announcement .
Russini further relayed one head coach’s quip—“trade bait”—implying Carr may be using the injury to leverage a move elsewhere or to force New Orleans’ hand in contract talks .
ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio echoed skepticism, calling the injury revelation a “chess move” strategically dropped 13 days before the draft, suggesting forethought rather than spontaneity .
Bleacher Report noted HC Kellen Moore’s era has begun amidst unexpected QB turmoil, intensifying spotlight on how the Saints will navigate both Carr’s health and their draft position .

Medical Evaluation and Treatment Pathways

While details remain scant, multiple reports indicate Carr is consulting with medical staff to determine if conservative rehab or surgical intervention is necessary .
The CBS Sports report highlighted that specifics on the injury’s exact nature and potential surgical procedures were not released, though sources confirm discussions of surgery are underway .
Insiders like Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated suggested this issue may stem from Carr’s lingering 2023 AC joint sprain, which never fully healed, and could require a more invasive approach to ensure long‑term stability .
Carr’s age (34) and history of durability add complexity: while surgery could offer complete correction, it also carries rehab timelines that stretch into training camp and beyond .
Saints’ medical staff will need to weigh short‑term availability against Carr’s long‑term shoulder health, a calculus that could push the organization to hedge on his readiness for Week 1 .

Draft Implications for the Saints

New Orleans holds the No. 9 overall pick in late April and has made scant secret of its interest in drafting a quarterback—even before Carr’s latest setback .
Before the injury news, experts like Mel Kiper Jr. and Field Yates projected the Saints to target Shedeur Sanders at No. 9, praising his poise and fit in Kellen Moore’s system .
With Carr’s health now uncertain, mock drafters on ESPN, SB Nation, and USA Today have intensified their QB projections for New Orleans, moving potential picks like Jaxson Dart and Cam Ward up board rankings .
Reuters analysts note that while Archie Manning remains the only QB the Saints drafted in the top 74 since 1971, Carr’s injury could break that trend and push New Orleans toward investing in a rookie signal‑caller .
Conversely, analysts caution the Saints could adopt a “best player available” approach at No. 9—potentially bolstering their pass rush or offensive line—then address quarterback needs on Day 2 or via the trade market .

Wider NFL Draft Impact

Carr’s shoulder news reverberates beyond New Orleans. The Las Vegas Raiders—holding the No. 6 pick—could capitalize on the Saints’ urgency by trading down, acquiring extra assets while still landing key targets .
CBS Sports noted that Carr’s report raises trade bait chatter, possibly drawing interest from teams like New England if the Saints explore moving up or down for a quarterback .
USA Today columnist Mike Freeman argued the shoulder concern “energizes” the Saints’ draft approach, but also suggests rival GMs will exploit perceived desperation to extract value in trade talks .
SB Nation’s breakdown added that league‑wide, several QB prospects have seen their draft stock subtly shift in mock drafts—Shedeur Sanders, Jaxson Dart, Quinn Ewers—all under consideration by teams sensing movement from New Orleans .
Meanwhile, the Bengals, Giants, and Browns—QB‑hungry and drafting ahead of the Saints—may recalibrate plans knowing New Orleans could pursue a QB later or seek one via trade instead of No. 9 .

Potential Quarterback Prospects

Shedeur Sanders (Colorado): Praised for his accuracy (74% under pressure), Sanders remains a top mobile passer, with heavy mock support to No. 9 should Carr be sidelined .
Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss): A dual‑threat with deep‑ball zip, Dart’s stock has risen in recent weeks, making him a potential late‑first or early‑second‑round target .
Cam Ward (Miami): Projected No. 1 overall by some outlets, Ward could fall to the Saints if Tennessee opts differently, offering a pro‑style option in Moore’s offense .
Quinn Ewers (Texas) and Jalen Milroe (Alabama): Both remain draftable Day 2 if the Saints wait to address quarterback—but Carr’s injury may nudge them into Day 1 consideration .

Saints’ Roster and Contract Considerations

Carr’s offseason contract tweak—converting base salary into signing bonus—suggests New Orleans aimed to lock him in as QB1 for 2025 while creating cap flexibility .
Mickey Loomis and Kellen Moore publicly endorsed Carr during the offseason, but the new injury report puts their statements into question and potentially undermines locker‑room confidence .
Behind Carr, the Saints roster four other QBs: Spencer Rattler, Jake Haener, Ben DiNucci, and practice‑squad arm John Rhys Platt—none of whom inspired confidence as long‑term starters, intensifying the need for new talent .
If surgery is pursued, Carr’s rehab timetable could stretch into the summer, creating a window to install a rookie QB who can grasp Moore’s system during OTAs and minicamp .

Conclusion

Derek Carr’s newly reported shoulder issue has sent shockwaves through the Saints organization and the broader NFL landscape . Fresh details from ESPN, SI, and other outlets underscore the injury’s seriousness, illuminate insider skepticism, and highlight potential surgery considerations . As the 2025 NFL Draft looms, New Orleans finds itself at a crossroads: bet on Carr’s recovery and revert to best‑player‑available, or pivot decisively to the quarterback of the future with the No. 9 pick . The coming weeks will prove critical—not just for Carr’s health, but for the Saints’ drafting strategy and for rival teams poised to exploit any perceived urgency in New Orleans’ quarterback room .