Saints forgo chance to draft Shedeur Sanders as quarterback situation remains uncertain

Saints forgo chance to draft Shedeur Sanders as quarterback situation remains uncertain

In a surprising turn of events, Shedeur Sanders, the standout quarterback from Colorado, experienced a dramatic fall in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Both the New York Giants and the New Orleans Saints chose different paths with their top 10 selections, passing over the talented player.

The Giants had explored various options leading up to the draft, including the possibility of selecting a quarterback. Ultimately, they opted for edge rusher Abdul Carter from Penn State, securing him with the third overall pick.

Meanwhile, the Saints attracted attention for their unexpected choice to draft Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. with the ninth pick. This decision raised eyebrows given the uncertainty surrounding their quarterback position.

Derek Carr’s Ongoing Shoulder Concerns

The situation concerning veteran quarterback Derek Carr has been a topic of speculation for several weeks. What began as reports of a possible shoulder injury requiring surgery was seemingly validated by Saints general manager Mickey Loomis, who confirmed on Wednesday that Carr does indeed have a shoulder “issue.”

The uncertainty surrounding Carr’s health left many questioning the Saints’ decision-making process. Loomis stated, “We’re hoping to get some resolution and some clarity on that in the near future. When we do, I’ll report back to you. Otherwise, I don’t have anything more on Derek.”

When asked if he believed the starting quarterback for the 2025 season was already on their roster, Loomis declined to provide a straightforward answer, avoiding speculation. “I’m not going to answer that,” he said, emphasizing his intent to steer clear of any conjecture regarding the team’s future at quarterback.

Saints Choose Offensive Line for Depth

Despite the clear need for a quarterback, all indications pointed toward the Saints potentially selecting one in the first round. However, the organization, which has not chosen a quarterback in the first round since Loomis became general manager in 2002, prioritized addressing other pressing needs instead. By selecting Banks, they aim to bolster their offensive line and improve their overall protection for whoever is under center.

Banks will join the Saints, where he is expected to compete for a starting position alongside Trevor Penning. Notably, the team did not exercise Penning’s fifth-year option, indicating that the competition for the starting left tackle position will be fierce.

Sanders Remains Draft Eligible

As the draft continued, Sanders remained available on the board with 14 picks already made, leaving many fans and analysts scratching their heads. The young quarterback’s talent and potential seemed to guarantee him a higher placement, but the outcomes left room for speculation about the needs of various teams and their evaluations of quarterback prospects.

While some teams opted for different positions, Sanders’ continued availability indicates a shift in the draft landscape. Potential landing spots for Sanders may emerge in the later rounds, as teams revisit their depth charts and consider future strategies.

As the dust from the first round settles, questions linger about the Saints’ strategy in both the short and long term. Their decision to pass on a high-profile quarterback in favor of a lineman may highlight a commitment to strengthening their core and building a foundation for future seasons.

Looking Ahead

The outlook for the Saints as they move forward will depend on their ability to resolve their quarterback situation. Whether Carr can return to form or if the team plans to pursue another quarterback option remains uncertain. Fans will be keenly following any updates from Loomis and the coaching staff as training camps approach.

Ultimately, the combination of team dynamics, player development, and injury management will play crucial roles in shaping the Saints’ performance in the upcoming season. The organization’s choices during this pivotal draft may echo throughout the years to come, impacting not only the roster but also the franchise’s future direction.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.