The New Orleans Saints have locked themselves in for another season with Derek Carr as their starting quarterback. With his recent restructure, it became more likely that he is on the roster next season, for Kellen Moore's first campaign.
That has made some folks question whether or not the Saints will look at drafting a quarterback in the upcoming draft class. They like Cam Ward plenty, but there's growing belief that he'll be the first pick to the Tennessee Titans.
Accordingly, New Orleans would have to shift gears to another QB prospect - if they want one early on in the selection process.
Shedeur Sanders or Jaxson Dart for Saints?
NFL Draft expert Jordan Reid relayed that the Saints could be a dark horse team for a quarterback in round one or two. Reid believes it could make sense for New Orleans.
Reid: New Orleans Saints. The Saints have already restructured the contract of Derek Carr, which keeps him with the team through this season. They also drafted Spencer Rattler in the fifth round last year. But neither move should stop them from putting more resources into the position if the opportunity presents itself. Carr will be the unquestioned starter in Week 1, but hitting on a signal-caller on a rookie deal could benefit New Orleans in the long run, given the roster's serious salary cap restraints.
If Sanders is available at No. 9, the Saints should consider drafting him. Ole Miss' Jaxson Dart could be an option in the second round, too, though some evaluators believe he could be picked at the back end of Round 1. -- ESPN+
I'd disagree with an early QB selection for the Saints, especially in the first round. Shedeur Sanders and Jaxson Dart are not worthy of top ten picks based on their profiles as QB prospects.
This conversation would be notably different a season ago. There were six quarterbacks taken in the first half of round one. The league was dramatically high on that group, unlike the upcoming group of potential starters at the position.
For New Orleans, they're in a place with an aging roster where they need to stockpile talent in the draft. Garner young pieces, rather than spending top-flight capital on a massive "maybe" replacement for Carr down the road.
The trenches on both sides of the football need upgrading in New Orleans, particularly at offensive guard and pass rusher. Not to mention, there's still some question marks at cornerback for Brandon Staley's depth chart.
Sanders, nor Dart, are QB prospects who would normally be taken in the top ten - in my opinion. Don't force the issue if you're the Saints.
With Dart, it's possible he's available in early round two for the Saints at the 40th pick, but there's buzz around him for a team to potentially trade back into the late first round to pick him up as well. Plenty of unknown.
Regardless, New Orleans should not turn their focus to the QB position early in this year's draft. If they do, Kellen Moore may be hamstrung to a young QB who won't work out before he can even get his feet under him as a first-time NFL head coach.
