Derek Carr, quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, has recently found himself at the center of a whirlwind of speculation regarding a shoulder injury that could potentially impact his availability for the 2025 NFL season. However, as insiders dig deeper into the situation, some are beginning to question whether this injury is as serious as it seems – or if it’s part of a much larger strategy.
NFL insiders, including prominent figures like Diana Russini of The Athletic and Mike Florio from ProFootballTalk, have raised eyebrows over the timing and nature of Carr’s injury. The reports of the injury appear to have originated not from the Saints’ official camp, but rather from sources close to Carr, leaving many to wonder if this could be a calculated move.
The “Fishy” Injury Rumor
Diana Russini, in a recent episode of Scoop City, shared her thoughts on the situation, calling it “fishy.” According to Russini, the injury report could be a deliberate ploy by Carr to influence the Saints’ decisions. “Maybe this is Derek Carr looking at the situation going, ‘I don’t want the Kirk Cousins treatment. I don’t want to be your quarterback,'” she speculated. This comment points to Carr possibly feeling sidelined in the long-term plans of the Saints, especially with the upcoming draft on the horizon.
Russini further mentioned that the Saints are “on a mission” to draft a quarterback in the 2025 NFL draft, adding another layer to the drama surrounding Carr’s future with the team. However, she noted that it has been challenging to find anyone within the football community who believes Carr’s shoulder injury is as severe as it has been portrayed.
The Saints’ Quarterback Dilemma
The Saints’ decision to possibly draft a quarterback this year complicates Carr’s situation even further. With Carr under contract through the 2026 season, any quarterback the Saints select in the upcoming draft could be poised to take over the starting role sooner than expected. The timing of Carr’s injury report – released just days before the NFL draft – seems all too convenient, leading to speculation that this might be an attempt to pressure the Saints into making a quick decision about his future.
Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk echoed Russini’s sentiments on his podcast, saying, “I feel like this was not a boating accident to have this come out when it did, 13 days before the draft.” Florio further suggested that Carr’s injury news was released deliberately to potentially derail the Saints’ draft plans, especially if they are targeting a player like Shedeur Sanders.
The Restructuring of Carr’s Contract
In the offseason, the Saints restructured Carr’s contract, converting $28.7 million of his $30 million base salary into a signing bonus. Interestingly, it was reported that Carr did not approve of this restructuring, fueling speculation that he might be unhappy with the way the Saints are handling his future. Could the shoulder injury news be Carr’s way of sending a message to the team, or is it simply an unfortunate setback?
The uncertainty surrounding Carr’s injury only adds to the already complex dynamic between the player and the franchise. While his future with the Saints is still up in the air, one thing is clear – Carr is leveraging his injury to influence the direction the team takes in the 2025 season.
What’s Next for Derek Carr and the Saints?
The coming weeks will be pivotal for both Carr and the New Orleans Saints. With the 2025 NFL Draft fast approaching, the team must decide whether to move forward with Carr as their long-term quarterback or make a move to secure their quarterback of the future. Carr’s injury may or may not play a role in their decision, but it’s certainly added another layer of drama to an already high-stakes situation.
As the Saints mull over their quarterback situation, the team and their fans will be closely watching to see how the situation unfolds. Will Carr return healthy and ready to prove his worth, or will a potential trade or draft pick signal the end of his tenure in New Orleans?