Saints Considering Quinn Ewers as Potential Successor to Derek Carr
The New Orleans Saints hold the 40th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, a second-round selection that could be pivotal in shaping the team’s future. While the Saints have several areas they could address, a recent mock draft from ESPN suggests they might use the pick to select a quarterback—specifically, Texas standout Quinn Ewers.
Ewers as a Future Saints Quarterback?
ESPN’s Matt Miller believes the Saints could be positioning themselves to find a long-term answer at quarterback, despite Derek Carr still being in place as the starter.
“Derek Carr will be back in 2025, but there’s a sense around the league that he’s a placeholder while the Saints draft their QB of the future,” Miller noted. “Ewers has injury concerns, but he did lead the Longhorns to the College Football Playoff semifinals in back-to-back seasons. He’s a touch-and-timing passer who would fit new coach Kellen Moore’s offense. Ewers doesn’t add value as a runner and must work at seeing the field faster, but his arm talent and mechanics are fits for a future NFL starter.”
While Carr remains the starter for now, the Saints will eventually need to find a long-term replacement. The team drafted Spencer Rattler last year, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they wouldn’t consider another quarterback in this draft—especially if someone like Ewers is available and considered the best option on the board.
How Committed Are the Saints to Derek Carr?
General manager Mickey Loomis has publicly supported Carr, making it clear that he remains the team’s starting quarterback for now.
“I think we feel like we’ve got a guy we can win with,” Loomis said last month.
With a new coaching staff led by Kellen Moore, the Saints are aiming for a more successful season after a disappointing 2024 campaign. However, despite their commitment to Carr in the short term, financial constraints and performance concerns could lead to a shift in direction. The team continues to navigate a significant salary cap burden, which may eventually force them to rethink their quarterback situation.
Drafting for Both the Present and Future
The Saints’ immediate priority is to build a competitive roster and maximize their chances of success in the upcoming season. However, they must also keep an eye on the future, particularly at the quarterback position. If the team does not view Rattler as a long-term solution, selecting another quarterback in this draft could be a wise move.
Beyond Ewers, other potential options in the draft could include Alabama’s Jalen Milroe, among others. While Carr remains a serviceable starter, the Saints may look to groom a young quarterback who could take over when the time is right.
For now, the focus will be on how Carr performs under Moore’s system. If he can replicate his early success from last season, the Saints may be able to postpone their search for his replacement. However, if the team struggles, the pressure to find the next franchise quarterback will only intensify.
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