NflDraft

Shedeur Sanders' Draft Stock Murky, Saints Emerge as Potential Landing Spot Amid Carr Uncertainty

about 1 year agoUS
Shedeur Sanders' Draft Stock Murky, Saints Emerge as Potential Landing Spot Amid Carr UncertaintySource: sports.yahoo.com
Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders entered the pre-draft process surrounded by significant buzz, but recent reports suggest his stock for the 2025 NFL Draft might be less certain than initially thought. Amidst this uncertainty, ESPN has floated a potentially lower-than-expected landing spot: the New Orleans Saints, a team grappling with its own quarterback situation.

Key Insights

Sanders' Draft Position Unclear:: Despite a strong 2024 season (74% completion, 4,134 yards, 37 TDs), Sanders' draft projection seems to be fluctuating. Reports suggest some teams were unimpressed with his combine interviews, potentially causing him to slide.

Saints as a Suitor:: ESPN's Jeremy Fowler identified the Saints (holding pick #9) as a potential destination for Sanders. This comes as the team explores its future at the quarterback position.

Carr's Tenuous Situation:: While the Saints restructured QB Derek Carr's contract, reports indicate the relationship is strained, with Carr having allegedly sought a trade earlier in the offseason. The restructure primarily pushes money into future years.

Saints Actively Scouting QBs:: New head coach Kellen Moore and the Saints' front office are reportedly heavily scouting the 2025 QB class, indicating a desire to potentially bring in competition or a successor for Carr.

Why This Matters:: Sanders potentially falling opens possibilities for QB-needy teams outside the top few picks, like the Saints. For New Orleans, drafting a QB like Sanders could signal a shift from Carr sooner rather than later, impacting the team's offensive direction under Moore.

In-Depth Analysis

Shedeur Sanders, once considered a potential top-five pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, is now facing questions about his draft positioning. His impressive 2024 statistics are countered by rumors stemming from the NFL Combine, where sources like The Ringer's Todd McShay reported that some teams felt Sanders came across as dismissive during interviews. This perception, fair or not, appears to be influencing his stock.

Enter the New Orleans Saints. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler highlighted them as a team that could target Sanders, potentially even at pick number 9. This speculation aligns with reports from CBSSports.com and NewOrleans.Football detailing friction between the Saints and current quarterback Derek Carr. Although Carr's contract was recently restructured, seemingly securing his spot for 2025, the move primarily created cap space by pushing obligations further out. It was preceded by reports that Carr explored trade possibilities, suggesting underlying tension.

The Saints, under new head coach Kellen Moore, haven't made the playoffs since 2020 and are clearly looking to improve their quarterback play. Carr's 2024 performance was inconsistent (5-5 record, injuries, career-low passing yards), and 2024 draft pick Spencer Rattler struggled in limited action. Moore's arrival, combined with the team's extensive scouting of 2025 QB prospects (including reported interest in Jaxson Dart, Quinn Ewers, and others across various rounds), points towards a franchise seriously considering its long-term future at the position. Drafting Sanders, even if he needs development, could provide the Saints with a high-upside alternative to Carr.

FAQs

Why might Shedeur Sanders fall in the draft?

Despite strong college production, reports indicate some NFL teams had concerns about his attitude and interview process during the NFL Combine, potentially impacting his draft stock.

Are the Saints definitely moving on from Derek Carr?

Not necessarily for 2025, as his restructured contract makes him likely to stay. However, reports of prior trade requests and the team's heavy scouting of QBs suggest they are actively planning for the future beyond Carr.

Besides Sanders, who else might the Saints target at QB?

Reports and scouting activity suggest the Saints are evaluating multiple QBs likely available across different rounds, including names like Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss), Quinn Ewers (Texas), and potentially others depending on draft position.

Key Takeaways

Shedeur Sanders' landing spot is less predictable than previously thought; he could be available later in the first round.

The New Orleans Saints are a team to watch for drafting a quarterback early, signaling potential long-term plans beyond Derek Carr.

Pre-draft interviews and perceptions can significantly impact a prospect's draft stock, regardless of on-field statistics.

Teams often restructure contracts for cap purposes, which doesn't always guarantee long-term harmony or commitment.

Discussion

The narrative around Shedeur Sanders continues to evolve. Do you think concerns about his interviews are overblown, or could he genuinely slide in the draft? Will the Saints pull the trigger on a QB at pick #9?

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