Saints QB options in 2025 that won't break the bank: A Christmas wish list

The holidays are a great time for reflection and planning. This Christmas, the New Orleans Saints and their fan base are likely looking ahead at the offseason to come.

What will the team do with quarterback Derek Carr? There's many who believe the Saints will end up cutting ties with Carr, but it's a matter of when they do so. If they designate him as a post-June 1 cut, then they'll only be set back by $10 million rather than incurring a $50 million dead cap hit if they released him before then.

What we think we know, right now, is that Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener aren't the long-term answer. But, do the Saints view themselves as a team which could immediately compete if they got a few pieces right?

That's a big question, and one that will likely be answered when the team makes a decision at the quarterback position next year. They could go with a veteran free agent, young or old, or look to the 2025 NFL Draft where they currently pick no. 10 overall.

Which quarterbacks could the Saints realistically target in 2025?

Let's start with a couple of free agent options, and no, Sam Darnold isn't in the cards for New Orleans. He'll be far too expensive.

Justin Fields

After only getting a few starts to begin the year, Justin Fields lost his starting job to Russell Wilson and the Pittsburgh Steelers haven't looked back since. Fields is still only 25 years old and will be 26 in March. He's as athletically-gifted as any quarterback in the league and, within the right offense, could give this Saints team plenty of chance to win.

He likely won't be too pricy, either, as he isn't coming off a full season of starting. In six games starting for the Steelers, he went 4-2 and threw five touchdowns with only one pick. He's also run for five touchdowns, this season.

Kirk Cousins

This may or may not be a long shot. First, the Falcons would have to cut Kirk Cousins if they're committing to Michael Penix Jr. going forward. Then, Cousins could sign with another team similarly to Russell Wilson this past offseason. Any prospective team might be able to sign him to a cheap, minimum type of deal because he's already getting paid a lump sum from Atlanta.

Now, this is also a move the Saints make if they believe two things are true. First of all, they'd believe Cousins is still a capable starter, and that's debatable. Second, they'd have to view themselves as a contending team if they think Cousins is a worthy starter.

Two realistic first-round draft prospects for the Saints in 2025

Jalen Milroe

If the Saints are picking at no. 10, there's no chance they'll be able to draft Shedeur Sanders or even Cam Ward, for that matter. But, Alabama's Jalen Milroe is another solid first-round option. The Alabama product is a highly-athletic, dual-threat passer who can bring a fun dynamic to the offense.

But, will he prove to be a long-term, franchise quarterback? That's the question the Saints would have to emphatically answer. This season for the Tide, Milroe threw for 2,652 yards, 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. But, he added 719 yards and 20 touchdowns on the ground as well.

Quinn Ewers

Like Milroe, Quinn Ewers is another prospect who could go in the first round. The Texas standout may or may not be a franchise quarterback. This year's class is weaker than the 2024 class, for sure, and Ewers is as up-iin-the-air as any top prospect in the upcoming draft.

Ewers threw for 2,867 yards, 26 touchdowns and 10 interceptions for the Longhorns this year.

If the Saints went with Ewers or Milroe, then fans would be assured this franchise is looking at future success rather than winning in 2025. That we know for sure.