Derek Carr's shoulder injury clouds Saints' quarterback future

In Metairie, Louisiana, Saints general manager Mickey Loomis confirmed weeks ago that starting quarterback Derek Carr is dealing with a shoulder issue, but specifics of the injury remain undisclosed. Loomis highlighted that the team hopes to gain clarity on Carr's condition in the near future. The injury was initially reported by NFL.com, which suggested that Carr might need surgery, potentially sidelining him for part or all of the upcoming NFL season, which poses a significant concern for the New Orleans Saints organization. Carr's health is particularly important given the team's recent coaching changes and his inconsistency. Last year, he missed seven games due to oblique and hand injuries, but his shoulder was not mentioned in the Saints' injury reports despite his ability to execute long throws effectively when on the field. This accumulation of doubts regarding Carr's future has prompted many to speculate about the team's quarterback situation in the long term. Loomis declined to address whether he believes the Saints' starting quarterback for 2025 is currently on the roster, in order to avoid stirring further speculation. In light of Carr’s uncertain status, the Saints opted to draft Tyler Shough, who was selected in the second round of the NFL Draft with the No. 40 pick. Shough became the third quarterback to be taken in this draft, and the first in the second round, reflecting the Saints' commitment to addressing their quarterback situation. The choice to select Shough despite lingering concerns around Derek Carr underscores the team's urgency to secure a viable alternative as they navigate the uncertainty surrounding their current starter. As the Saints prepare for the upcoming season, they approach the draft with a philosophy that prioritizes talent and immediate contribution over filling specific positional needs. Loomis expressed that over-emphasizing needs can jeopardize the team's future by leading to overvaluing prospects. Thus, while Carr's shoulder issue looms large, the team remains focused on ensuring that their higher draft choices provide lasting value, regardless of the position they play. With multiple selections in the upcoming rounds, including picks in the second and third rounds, the Saints aim to build a competitive roster to address both immediate and long-term needs amidst the ongoing uncertainty at the quarterback position.