2023 NFL Draft: New Orleans Saints to Meet With QB Hendon Hooker
The Saints will be meeting with quarterback Hendon Hooker on Tuesday, signaling New Orleans may not be done addressing the quarterback position after signing Derek Carr in free agency to a 4-year, $150 million contract with $60 million fully guaranteed.
The 25-year-old has been gaining momentum despite his age and injury questions, as Hooker's season at Tennessee was cut short due to a Torn ACL.
Hooker would be a curious pairing with the Saints, as their contract with Carr carries a $52 million Dead Cap charge in 2024, meaning that he will likely be the starter in New Orleans for the next two years, meaning Hooker would potentially not be a full-time starter until he is 27.
Nevertheless, New Orleans appears to be leaving no stone unturned in their attempt to solve the quarterback position as they have struggled to find a suitable replacement for Drew Brees, who retired after the conclusion of the 2020 season.
The Saints may have to move up in the draft if they are truly interested in pursuing Hooker, as they currently have the 29th pick in the first round via their trade with the Denver Broncos in which Denver received Sean Payton. Hooker has reportedly been gaining momentum across the league as a potential first round pick.
Such a move would be very risky, as New Orleans has multiple holes on the roster caused by recent departures that they could fill during the draft, and trading up for an injured quarterback who may not start until he is 27 may not be the best use of resources.
Nevertheless, The Saints' meeting with Hooker throws yet another wrench in what has already been a volatile quarterback class.
