Alvin Kamara’s Saints signs fresh rookie QB as a possible replacement for Derek Carr.

Introduction

The New Orleans Saints have entered a new chapter at the most crucial and visible position on the team: quarterback. With veteran signal-caller Derek Carr abruptly announcing his retirement earlier this week—citing a labral tear and degenerative changes in his rotator cuff—the franchise has been forced to pivot quickly in search of his successor . In an unexpected move, the Saints have signed undrafted rookie Hunter Dekkers, a quarterback whose collegiate career at Iowa State ended in controversy but whose arm talent and poise have intrigued head coach Kellen Moore and the team’s front office . This article examines the context behind Carr’s departure, Dekkers’s journey to the NFL, and what his addition could mean for Alvin Kamara and the Saints’ offense moving forward.

Derek Carr’s Sudden Exit

On May 11, 2025, Derek Carr—34, an 11-year NFL veteran, and a two-time Pro Bowler—shocked the football world by announcing his retirement due to shoulder ailments that threatened his long-term health and effectiveness . Carr’s departure not only leaves a void at quarterback but also upends offseason plans for a team that had hoped to build on a top-10 scoring offense in 2023 and a promising early start in 2024 before injuries derailed their campaign . Given Carr’s sizeable $40 million cap hit in 2025, his retirement frees up resources but also places intense scrutiny on the Saints’ decision-makers to find a viable replacement quickly.

Quarterback Room Open Season

With Carr off the roster, New Orleans now turns to a rotating cast of young quarterbacks—Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler, Jake Haener—and the newly added Hunter Dekkers to compete for the starting role . Shough, a 2025 second-round pick from Louisville, enters the mix with limited pro experience but boasts NFL-caliber size and arm strength. Rattler, selected in the fifth round of the 2024 draft, showed flashes of promise during seven starts last season but struggled with turnovers and consistency . Haener, a 2023 fourth-round pick, has yet to log significant regular-season snaps. Amid this competition, Dekkers arrives as the wildcard—the undrafted rookie with a tumultuous college finale but undeniable potential.

Meet Hunter Dekkers

Hunter Dekkers, 23, played three seasons at Iowa State before losing NCAA eligibility in early 2025 after admitting to placing illegal online bets on his own team’s games . Despite the controversy, scouts were drawn to Dekkers’s on-field attributes: a quick release, rare arm velocity for his size (6’4″, 230 lbs), and an aptitude for extending plays outside the pocket . At Iowa State’s pro day, he reportedly posted a 4.7-second 40-yard dash—an exceptional time for a quarterback with his length—further convincing the Saints to bring him in for rookie minicamp. New Orleans’ decision to sign Dekkers reflects both a leap of faith and a strategic gamble on upside over pedigree.

Controversy and Redemption

The gambling incident that ended Dekkers’s collegiate career raised ethical and character concerns around the league . However, in conversations with Saints brass and teammates, Dekkers has expressed deep remorse and a commitment to strict adherence to NFL rules and community standards. Head coach Kellen Moore has publicly emphasized giving young players opportunities to learn from mistakes and evolve, suggesting the organization believes Dekkers’s indiscretion does not define his entire character . In an era where off-field conduct is under intense scrutiny, New Orleans is betting that Dekkers will seize this second chance and channel it into on-field growth.

Scheme Fit with Alvin Kamara

Alvin Kamara, the versatile running back known for his elusiveness and receiving skills, represents the cornerstone of the Saints’ offense . Under Sean Payton’s stewardship and into the new regime under Moore, Kamara has thrived thanks in part to a quarterback who can progress through reads and target him in space. Carr’s departure raises questions about whether Shough’s athleticism or Rattler’s stage-tested poise—or perhaps Dekkers’s improvisational flair—best complements Kamara’s skill set. During minicamp, offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb has hinted at integrating more RPOs (run-pass options) and bootlegs, plays that could leverage Dekkers’s mobility and Kamara’s receiving prowess .

Comparing Rookie Contenders

Among the rookie QBs, Shough enters with the highest draft pedigree—second-round credentials and a polished college resume . Yet, historically, lower-round or undrafted quarterbacks have occasionally shattered expectations when given the right scheme and mentorship. Spencer Rattler’s rookie season saw franchise-record rookie passing yards but also growing pains, while Haener remains a long-term project. Dekkers may not win purely on track record, but his combination of arm talent and willingness to run the ball could pose a unique challenge to the coaching staff’s decision-making in training camp and preseason games.

Expert Opinion: Should Saints Chase a Veteran?

Not all voices in the football community commend the Saints’ youthful pivot. Former NFL MVP Robert Griffin III publicly urged New Orleans to consider pursuing veteran free agent Aaron Rodgers for stability alongside stars like Kamara, Demario Davis, Cam Jordan, and Tyrann Mathieu . Rodgers, still unsigned after a stellar career, represents a high-risk, high-reward option—an immediate franchise upgrade but a massive financial commitment. The Saints’ brass, however, appears focused on building through the draft and developing in-house talent rather than clearing cap space for a lightning-rod signing.

Training Camp Sparks Fierce Battle

As the team convenes for mandatory minicamp this week, the quarterback competition will intensify under Moore’s watchful eye . Coaches will evaluate accuracy on timing routes, decision-making under pressure, and leadership in the locker room. Dekkers, in particular, must overcome questions about his maturity and poise following the gambling fallout. Yet, he also arrives as a blank slate unencumbered by high draft expectations, offering him a unique psychological edge: every strong rep is a step toward merit-based legitimacy.

Fan Reaction and Market Implications

Saints fans exhibit a mix of optimism and skepticism. Social media is awash with highlight reels of Dekkers’s deep-ball prowess, while skeptical voices point to the SEC veterans and top-tier prospects bypassed in the draft. Local sports radio hosts debate the wisdom of gambling on a tainted prospect versus pursuing a proven veteran. The organization’s gamble on Dekkers could either validate their talent-identification acumen or amplify criticism if the rookie falters in early-season starts.

Long-Term Outlook

Beyond 2025, the Saints view this quarterback competition as a long game. With the No. 9 overall pick in next year’s draft and several cap-friendly contracts on the books, New Orleans could still pursue an elite prospect in 2026 if none of the current crop meets expectations . For now, Dekkers’s signing signals a commitment to developing internal options and conserving resources for roster-building in other areas, such as bolstering pass protection and reinforcing the secondary.

Conclusion

The signing of Hunter Dekkers as an undrafted rookie quarterback to possibly replace Derek Carr marks a bold and multifaceted gamble by the New Orleans Saints. Facing the unexpected void left by Carr’s retirement, the organization has chosen to place its faith in youth and potential—alongside Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler, and Jake Haener—rather than immediately pursue high-priced veteran alternatives . As training camp looms, all eyes will be on Dekkers: can he translate raw arm talent into NFL readiness, redeem himself from past missteps, and form a dynamic partnership with Alvin Kamara? The answer will shape the trajectory of the Saints’ offense and define Kellen Moore’s inaugural season at the helm.