Drew Brees offers his opinion on what the Saints ought to do as quarterback following Derek Carr’s retirement.

Context of Derek Carr’s Retirement and Its Implications

On May 9, 2025, New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr announced his sudden retirement, bringing an abrupt end to his two-year tenure in black and gold. Carr’s decision followed the revelation of significant degenerative changes in his right shoulder—specifically, a labral tear and rotator cuff damage—that threatened his long-term health and would have required surgery, potentially sidelining him for the entire 2025 season. The Saints, who invested heavily in Carr with a four-year, $150 million contract, now face considerable salary cap ramifications: his departure created roughly $20.5 million in 2025 cap space but also left over $50 million in dead money over the next two seasons .

Carr’s retirement not only upended the Saints’ financial planning but also left the team without a proven veteran presence under center. In response, New Orleans used their second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Louisville’s Tyler Shough, signaling a transition to younger options. Yet, with Shough’s inexperience (and that of Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener) and an impending first season under new head coach Kellen Moore, the Saints’ quarterback room is one of the league’s least seasoned .

Drew Brees Weighs In: The Case for Adding a Veteran

Legendary Saints quarterback and future Hall of Famer Drew Brees, who led New Orleans to its only Super Bowl victory, spoke candidly in a recent appearance on WWL Radio’s Sports Talk about the team’s pressing need at quarterback. Reflecting on Carr’s abrupt retirement, Brees stated, “I think that would be wise [to add a veteran], and I’m sure that’s being considered”, emphasizing the importance of experience and leadership in guiding a youthful quarterback group .

Brees, who retired in 2021 after a storied 20-year career, understands firsthand the blend of on-field performance and off-field mentorship a veteran brings to a team. His endorsement carries significant weight in New Orleans, where his legacy still shapes the Saints’ organizational culture. By advocating for a seasoned addition, Brees underscores two foundational principles:

1. Mentorship and Leadership: A veteran quarterback serves as a teacher, helping young signal-callers navigate the complexities of NFL defenses, game-planning, and in-game adjustments.
2. Stability in Transition: With a new coaching staff and a youthful roster, having a steady hand at quarterback can ease the learning curve and foster a winning environment.

The Young Core: Potential and Pitfalls

With Carr’s departure, the Saints’ quarterback room now primarily consists of:

• Tyler Shough (25): A second-round pick in 2025, Shough possesses prototypical size and a strong arm but has yet to take an NFL regular-season snap.
• Spencer Rattler (24): Now entering his second year, Rattler saw limited action filling in for Carr last season, finishing 0–6 as a starter.
• Jake Haener (26): In his third year, Haener has only one career start and minimal game experience.

Collectively, this trio combines for just seven career starts, 268 passing attempts, and zero wins . While each quarterback exhibits traits—arm strength, athleticism, or football IQ—that intrigued the Saints’ front office, the absence of a veteran swingman leaves the franchise vulnerable if the rookies struggle to adapt swiftly at the NFL level.

Identifying Veteran Options

In line with Brees’s recommendation, sports analysts and local media have highlighted several quarterbacks on the free-agent or trade market who could bolster the Saints’ quarterback room. Ross Jackson of LouisianaSports.net identifies six potential veteran additions:

1. Teddy Bridgewater (32): A former Saints interim starter who went 5–0 filling in for Brees. His previous success in New Orleans and ability to manage games make him a logical fit .
2. Carson Wentz (32): Brings playoff experience and a resilient mindset, though injury history remains a concern .
3. C.J. Beathard (31): A steady backup with nine years in the league, known for his professionalism and understanding of pro-style offenses .
4. Aaron Rodgers (41): Although a marquee name, his preference for a starting role may not align with a mentorship position, making this a less likely scenario .
5. Ben DiNucci (28): Reconnecting with former Cowboys colleague Kellen Moore, though his upside may be limited to a developmental backup role .
6. Tanner McKee (25): A younger veteran with three years of experience and familiarity with Moore’s system from their time in Philadelphia .

Each option presents a different blend of experience, leadership qualities, and cost. For instance, Bridgewater’s comfort in New Orleans and previous rapport with the organization could make him an ideal low-risk signing. Conversely, pursuing a high-profile name like Rodgers carries both financial implications and the risk of disrupting the development of the younger quarterbacks.

Strategic Considerations for the Saints

When evaluating veteran additions, the Saints must balance several factors:

• Financial Flexibility: After Carr’s retirement, New Orleans has roughly $20 million in cap space for 2025, with additional obligations in 2026. Targeting mid-tier veterans like Bridgewater or Beathard could be fiscally prudent.
• Developmental Timeline: With a new coaching staff eager to see progress, integrating a veteran mentor could accelerate Shough’s and Rattler’s development, potentially shortening the rebuild timeline.
• Locker-Room Dynamics: Drew Brees’s endorsement signals that the organization values cultural fit. A veteran who respects the academy of the Saints and aligns with their team-first ethos will be crucial.
• Competitive Aspirations: While the Saints may not view 2025 as a Super Bowl window, adding a veteran could still provide the stability needed to compete in the NFC South and avoid a prolonged rebuilding phase.

Drew Brees’s Perspective: More Than Just Advice

Drew Brees’s involvement in the conversation transcends mere commentary. As someone who experienced the challenges of transitioning from a long-serving franchise quarterback to retirement, Brees empathizes with both the players and the organization. His advocacy for a veteran presence stems from:

• First-Hand Leadership Experience: Brees frequently mentored backup quarterbacks Taysom Hill and Jameis Winston during his tenure, underscoring his belief in the value of intergenerational coaching within a roster .
• Understanding Organizational Stability: He recognizes that a stable quarterback room underpins offensive cohesion, continuity in play-calling, and consistent leadership on game day.
• Commitment to Franchise Legacy: Brees’s loyalty to the Saints extends beyond his on-field achievements. His desire to see the franchise thrive motivates his public support for prudent roster decisions.

Historical Precedents and Lessons Learned

Examining past transitions at quarterback offers insight into the Saints’ present crossroads:

• Post-Brees Era (2021): The Saints struggled to identify a long-term successor, cycling through Jameis Winston, Taysom Hill, and Andy Dalton before settling on Derek Carr. The results were mixed, highlighting the pitfalls of delayed quarterback succession planning.
• Successful Mentorship Models: Teams like the Kansas City Chiefs seamlessly transitioned from Alex Smith to Patrick Mahomes through a structured mentorship and incremental play-calling approach, culminating in a Super Bowl victory. This model underscores the potential benefits of pairing veteran guidance with a talented young prospect.
• Risk of Over-Reliance on Youth: Franchises that thrust unseasoned quarterbacks into starting roles without support—such as the Cleveland Browns with Baker Mayfield—often endure growing pains that prolong rebuilds. The Saints aim to avoid this scenario by heeding Brees’s counsel.

Projected Outcomes and Next Steps

As the NFL offseason progresses, the Saints’ front office will evaluate:

1. Market Availability: Monitoring veteran quarterbacks’ contract statuses, workouts, and expresses of interest.
2. Internal Progress: Assessing young quarterbacks’ performances in OTAs and minicamps to determine the specific mentorship needs.
3. Coaching Philosophy: Aligning veteran skill sets with Kellen Moore’s offensive scheme to ensure smooth integration.

Should the Saints secure a veteran mentor, they can expect:

• Enhanced Learning Curve: Young quarterbacks benefiting from real-time feedback and sideline guidance.
• Reduced Pressure: Lowering the immediate performance expectations on rookies, allowing for developmental growth.
• Potential Trade Leverage: With a veteran bridge in place, the organization can take its time to identify a franchise quarterback via draft or trade, avoiding rushed decisions.

Conclusion

Derek Carr’s unexpected retirement placed the New Orleans Saints at a pivotal juncture: lean on inexperienced prospects or heed the wisdom of a franchise icon. Drew Brees, through his succinct yet impactful recommendation—“I think that would be wise [to add a veteran] and I’m sure that’s being considered”—has crystallized the path forward for the organization .

By integrating a seasoned quarterback into the mix, the Saints stand to benefit from leadership, stability, and accelerated development for their young signal-callers. As New Orleans navigates the remainder of the offseason, Brees’s counsel will likely resonate throughout team meetings, practice fields, and front-office deliberations. Ultimately, the decision to add a veteran could define the trajectory of the franchise’s post-Brees era, shaping the competitive landscape of the NFC South for years to come.