Aaron Rodgers Eyes New Opportunity with Saints Amid Derek Carr’s Injury Concerns

As the free agency pool continues to shift, four-time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers might find a new landing spot in the NFL. Recent reports suggest that the New Orleans Saints are in need of a veteran signal-caller, especially considering uncertainty surrounding Derek Carr’s upcoming season.

Injury Concerns Surrounding Derek Carr

News has emerged that Carr might be facing a significant shoulder injury that could require surgery, putting his availability for the upcoming season in jeopardy. This concern follows Carr’s injury struggles in his second season with the Saints, where he missed seven games due to a concussion and a fractured hand.

Potential Interest from the Saints

With Carr’s future now unclear, the Saints may consider reaching out to Rodgers to see if he would be willing to don their colors next season. Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio hinted at the possibility, stating that reports indicating the Saints might approach Rodgers could surface soon. However, it remains uncertain whether such discussions will lead to any tangible outcomes.

The Frontrunners

Previous rumors placed the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers as the primary competitors to sign Rodgers. However, the Giants have since moved off that list after acquiring Russell Wilson. The Steelers, while still in the hunt for a quarterback, have added Jameis Winston during the current free agency period, leading to speculation about the direction they may take.

Other Contenders for Rodgers

Despite the changes in teams interested in Rodgers, the Minnesota Vikings have not ruled out pursuing the quarterback. Nonetheless, they remain committed to J.J. McCarthy, their first-round pick from last year, who was sidelined the entire previous season due to injury.

Saints’ Quarterback Depth

If Carr’s injury keeps him out for the season, the Saints would need to turn to either Spencer Rattler or Jake Haener, currently listed as the team’s quarterbacks. Rattler filled in for Carr during his injuries last season but struggled, finishing with a 0-6 record in his six starts.

Future Considerations for the Saints

The Saints hold the ninth overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft, raising questions about their strategy. It is possible they will look to trade up to secure a quarterback for the future. With Carr only under contract for one more year before hitting free agency in 2027, the Saints must tread carefully.

Rodgers’ Recent Struggles

At age 41, Rodgers is coming off a challenging stint with the New York Jets, where he managed a 6-12 record over 18 games. The season left many questions about his performance and future choices in the league.

A Potential Shift in NFL Dynamics

The upcoming months will be critical for both Rodgers and the Saints. As the team navigates injury pitfalls and the NFL Draft approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if a new alliance is formed.