Free Agent Options As Backup Quarterback For The New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints committed to Derek Carr as their starting quarterback the second they made the decision to bring back coach Dennis Allen for a third season. It's not that Carr had an awful season. However, he fell well short of the high expectations from fans after signing a four-year contract last offseason.
Carr completed 68.4% of his passes for 3,878 yards with 25 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. He had six 300-yard games, tying for the highest season total over his 10-year career. Most importantly, Carr showed a much better grasp of the offense down the stretch of the season.
With Carr entrenched as starter, the Saints still must decide who will back him up. Veteran Jameis Winston is set to hit free agency and will not be back with the team. They could go with Jake Haener, a 2023 fourth-round pick out of Fresno State. Haener was up and down during the preseason and couldn't even be with the team for the first portion of his rookie year because of a six-game suspension by the league.
Because of Haener's inexperience, expect the Saints to explore bringing in a veteran with some starting experience on a short-term contract. Here are some free agent options that New Orleans may look to add as a backup to Carr.
(age and previous team in parentheses)
• Sam Darnold (26 - 49ers)
• Gardner Minshew (27 - Colts)
• Carson Wentz (31 - Rams)
• Tyler Huntley (26 - Ravens)
• Tyrod Taylor (34 - Giants)
• Jacoby Brissett (31 - Washington)
• Ryan Tannehill (35 - Titans)
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Rams. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
On paper, Darnold may make the most sense of any name on this list. He has experience in the system of new Saints offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, having played for him in San Francisco last season. Darnold also shouldn't inspire any confidence if he's forced to play long-term.
The third overall choice in the 2018 NFL Draft, it's safe to call Darnold a colossal bust. He's completed only 59.7% of his career throws and has 63 touchdowns against 56 interceptions. Where Darnold would bring crucial value is helping Carr and the rest of the offense in getting up to speed with Kubiak's system faster.
Minshew has proven to be a quality starter, at least over a short term, with the willingness to be a backup. He's shown capable of picking up several different offenses quickly while remaining a productive player.
After a promising start to his career, Carson Wentz has never come close to the expectations that came with being the second overall choice in the 2016 NFL Draft. Like other high picks Darnold and Jameis Winston, Wentz has been willing to settle on short-term contracts in an attempt to revitalize his career.
Huntley could be an intriguing option. He's not gotten a lot of chances to play in four years behind Lamar Jackson. When he has, he's shown decent accuracy with a 64.6% completion percentage and the ability to move Baltimore's offense. Additionally, new Saints WR coach Keith Williams was an assistant on Baltimore's staff with Huntley for the previous three seasons.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley (2) throws a pass against the New Orleans Saints. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Taylor and Tannehill are both near the end of their careers. Taylor is a longtime backup with mixed results, at best, when he's been given a chance to play. Tannehill has looked finished for the last two years in Tennessee. However, either could add valuable expertise as an extra set of eyes on the sideline for Carr and Kubiak.
Brissett is another longtime backup with mixed results when he's gotten a chance to play. He's also been a part of several different offensive systems and could at least be a steady hand if called on in a pinch.
Let's face reality, none of these quarterbacks are an ideal solution outside of possibly Minshew if forced into action. Perhaps the Saints will feel comfortable with Haener as Carr's backup to enter next season.
The more logical scenario will be that New Orleans brings in another quarterback to at least provide competition for Haener. If so, it will be a veteran on a short-term deal.
