The New Orleans Saints are facing a sudden void at quarterback following Derek Carr’s unexpected retirement — a development that could prompt a trade with the Cleveland Browns, who have a surplus of veteran signal-callers.
Carr opted to retire after a significant shoulder injury that was slated to sideline him for all of next season. He announced the decision as part of a statement from the team.
“Upon reflection of prayer, and in discussion with Heather, I’ve decided to retire from the National Football League,” said Carr, who is 34 years old. “For more than 11 years, we have been incredibly blessed, and we are forever grateful and humbled by this experience. It’s difficult to find the right words to express our thanks to all the teammates, coaches, management, ownership, team officials and especially the fans who made this journey so special. Your unwavering support has meant the world to us.”
That leaves rookie second-round pick Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler, and Jake Haener as the quarterbacks on the Saints’ depth chart.
Browns QB Kenny Pickett Prime Target for Saints
The Browns are dealing with a different kind of quarterback situation. Cleveland drafted both Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, who joined veterans Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco in Cleveland’s quarterback room.
With no veteran quarterback currently on the roster, the Saints could find Flacco or Pickett to be intriguing trade targets. As Damon Wolfe of Dawgs By Nature noted, new Saints head coach Kellen Moore has a recent connection to Pickett, having worked with him last season during his stint with the Philadelphia Eagles.
“Kellen Moore, the Saints’ new head coach, may want to add a veteran presence to the QB room. The Browns have a crowded situation at the position after drafting Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders,” Wolfe said. “Joe Flacco or Kenny Pickett becoming available at some point before the season is a real possibility, as it will be unlikely that Cleveland would keep all four on the initial 53-man roster. Connecting Pickett to the Saints would also make sense, as he played for Moore last season in Philadelphia.”
