The New Orleans Saints hired an offensive-minded head coach in Kellen Moore this offseason, and now they’re ready to turn around the franchise. There’s one problem, though: the Saints don’t have a franchise quarterback to pair with their offensive play-calling head coach.
New Orleans is bringing back Derek Carr for a third season, but it’s already clear he isn’t the long-term answer. Young quarterbacks Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener are also on the roster, and it’ll be interesting to see what they can develop into— especially Rattler. Despite the potential Rattler has flashed, no quarterback on the roster has given New Orleans a reason to pass up selecting a top quarterback in the 2025 Draft.
The thing that will likely prevent the Saints from doing that is the team’s draft position. Currently in possession of the No. 9 pick, the top two quarterbacks will likely be off the board when New Orleans is on the clock. Jaxson Dart, QB3 of the class, should be available, but the belief is he’s a late first-round/early second selection.
The only hope for New Orleans, if it actually wants to select a QB at No. 9, is Shedeur Sanders sliding. Analysts have argued that Sanders could be drafted anywhere from second overall to late in the first round. If he is available at nine, he’d make a lot of sense for the Saints, and that could end up working out great for both parties.
NFL analyst Bucky Brooks recently argued that Sanders is the top quarterback in the draft class, and also named four teams that are ideal fits for Sanders. The Saints were one of the teams, because Brooks believes Kellen Moore and Sanders would pair well together.
"The Saints are rarely mentioned as a potential suitor in the Sanders sweepstakes, but new head coach Kellen Moore’s creativity and adaptability would make this fit work... Though Sanders is a classic dropback passer with a traditional game, Moore’s willingness to feature his favorite concepts (various in-breaking routes at short and intermediate range) would enable the Colorado product to excel as a passer/playmaker within a rhythmic scheme. In addition, Moore’s creative designs and intricate pre-snap shifts could give a high-IQ signal-caller a significant advantage in the pre- and post-snap phase."Bucky Brooks (NFL.com)
Saints considered an ideal fit for Shedeur Sanders because of Kellen Moore
Simply put, Brooks believes Moore can build an offense that plays right into Sanders’ strengths. While nine would be much lower than the quarterback prospect is hoping to go, it could ultimately benefit him. Moore is coming off a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles, and he has helped lead Jalen Hurts, Justin Herbert, and Dak Prescott all to success.
Shedeur Sanders could be the next QB he has success with, but unless the Saints are willing to trade up, they’d have to wait and hope that the five teams in front of them, who could take a quarterback, don’t select him.