2 potential starting QBs Saints should target to replace Derek Carr in 2025

The New Orleans Saints are in the middle of their second season with Derek Carr as QB1, and neither season has gone great. Carr battled through numerous injuries in his first season, starting all 17 games, but the Saints were only 9-8 and missed the playoffs.

In his second season with the team, Carr is 4-4 after 11 games, because he missed three games with an oblique injury. That leaves New Orleans 4-7 entering Week 13, headed towards a fourth straight season without a playoff appearance.

The Saints will already be looking for a new head coach this offseason, and they could be looking for a new quarterback too. Here are a couple of potential starting quarterbacks for the Saints in 2025.

Spencer Rattler could start for the Saints in 2025

When the New Orleans Saints drafted Spencer Rattler in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the expectations were neutral. Once a highly-ranked college recruit, Rattler’s college journey from the highs at Oklahoma to a complete reset at South Carolina was marked by some sparks and also inconsistencies.

When Derek Carr suffered an oblique injury in Week 5, the Saints turned to Rattler, trusting in him sooner than anticipated. Over the course of three starts, Rattler showcased both promise and growing pains, completing one touchdown pass against two interceptions. While his stat line won’t turn heads, his performances told more.

What stood out most was Rattler’s ability to protect the football, an often overlooked but crucial trait for young quarterbacks. With just two interceptions in his starts, Rattler displayed poise under pressure, avoiding the disastrous turnovers that often plague rookie signal-callers. His decision-making, though conservative at times, gave the Saints offense a fighting chance.

Rattler also flashed his raw arm talent, delivering throws with velocity and touch that hinted at his potential ceiling. Yet, there were clear signs of his inexperience: moments where he held the ball too long, struggled with timing, or misread defensive schemes. The challenge for Rattler moving forward will be consistency. The talent is evident but the Saints will need patience as he refines his mechanics and gains a deeper understanding of the NFL game.

For now, Rattler remains a backup with upside, but his early showing has at least planted a seed of possibility. As the Saints navigate the present with Carr, Rattler’s development could provide New Orleans with a good option down the road. If he continues to grow, he can prove to be more than just a three game starter, he could be the quarterback of the future in New Orleans.

Jalen Milroe could start for the Saints in 2025

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe has firmly established himself as the most electrifying player in the class. Combining a rare blend of size, speed, and escapability, Milroe’s dual-threat capabilities make him a nightmare for defenses and a interesting prospect for NFL teams seeking a dynamic playmaker under center.

Last year, Milroe faced questions about his ability to thrive as a quarterback at the high level. But he silenced critics with a strong finish to the season and has carried that momentum into a red-hot 2024. His command of Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer-led offense has showcased his growth as a passer while maintaining his explosive playmaking ability on the ground.

With the Saints’ recent wins, they are currently moving up the draft board exactly where it seems Milroe will fall. Milroe is extremely explosive and plays very similiar to Jalen Hurts and Lamar Jackson, who also fell and we see how that's been working out for them. This definitely seems like a pick the Saints should make with Derek Carr having two more years on his contract after this season. It'll be a good decision to let Milroe learn under Carr and constantly have Kubiak in his ear.

Whether a team seeks a Day one starter or a developmental player with star potential, Milroe’s rare skill set and relentless work ethic make him an intriguing option for any QB-needy team. As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, Jalen Milroe is poised to make the leap to the next level, carrying with him the promise of electrifying highlights and a game-changing impact. The only question now is which team will take the chance on this sure to be dynamic QB.

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