Derek Carr DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (shoulder), who has been staying in contact with team officials, said he has gotten an MRI exam and everyone is trying to figure out his next step. There have been rampant rumors that Carr is using his shoulder injury to try and force his way out of New Orleans. It remains to be seen if that's the case, but either way, the 34-year-old veteran signal-caller could need surgery on his shoulder, which would likely mean he wouldn't be ready for the start of the 2025 season this fall. Given the uncertainty around Carr, the Saints selected quarterback Tyler Shough in the second round of this year's NFL draft on Friday as an insurance policy. Depending on Carr's injury situation, Shough could be asked to make starts for the Saints sooner than later in 2025. Carr's fantasy value, meanwhile, continues to drop after another disappointing season in New Orleans in 2024.

New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis acknowledged that quarterback Derek Carr (shoulder) is dealing with a shoulder injury that could require surgery and that the organization hopes to have some clarity on the situation soon. There are a lot of question marks about Carr's future with the Saints, and it was recently reported that the 34-year-old signal-caller could be in danger of missing the start of the 2025 campaign. It has led many to believe that New Orleans will target a young QB in this week's draft, possibly even with the No. 9 overall pick in the first round on Thursday night. Outside of Carr, the Saints currently have Spencer Rattler, Jake Haener and Ben DiNucci in their quarterback room. Even if Carr avoids shoulder surgery, stays with the Saints and is their Week 1 starter this fall, he'll be ignored in most 12-team fantasy drafts.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (shoulder) is now dealing with a shoulder injury that threatens his availability for the start of the 2025 season, sources tell NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Carr is currently weighing his options, which includes possible surgery. This is big news, especially with the 2025 NFL draft right around the corner. However, even if Carr was completely healthy, it wouldn't have been much of a surprise if the Saints were considering using a draft pick on a young signal-caller this year with Carr's future with the team beyond this year uncertain. Now that he could miss the start of the 2025 campaign this fall, though, QB should be a bigger priority. Carr, 34, missed seven games with hand and oblique injuries last year and was underwhelming as a QB2 in fantasy before the injuries. If Carr is forced to miss the early portion of 2025, a rookie QB could compete with Spencer Rattler for starts under center.UPDATE: The Saints have been preparing for the upcoming draft knowing about Carr's recent shoulder issue, according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini.