State of the Saints: Quarterback

After getting Derek Carr, quarterback is no longer a pressing priority for the Saints. However, they're going to need to figure out their backup spot.

Author:
John Hendrix
Publish date:
Mar 9, 2023 8:01 AM EST

In this story:

New Orleans Saints

We're less than a week away from the start of the new NFL season, and the Saints recently answered their most pressing need of the offseason by signing Derek Carr. This will allow New Orleans to now focus on other areas of need, but they'll have to make sure they create the cap space needed to be players in free agency.

After locking up Derek Carr, what does the quarterback spot look like for the Saints?

Quarterback Overview

Jameis Winston sitting the bench — Dec 18, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Andy Dalton (14) and quarterback Jameis Winston (2) and tight end Taysom Hill (7) on the bench against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Players Under Contract: Derek Carr, Jameis Winston, Taysom Hill, Jake Luton (reserve/future)

Free Agent Outlook: Andy Dalton

Priority Level: Low

Obviously, you have to rope in Taysom Hill with all of these conversations, even if he won't really get a ton of primary snaps at quarterback. Pete Carmichael didn't exactly utilize him the best last season, as was evident in early game situations and in the red zone. However, the Saints feel like they have a better understanding on how best to utilize Hill going forward, even with Carr now in the picture.

Signing Carr most assuredly means that Jameis Winston is out of the picture, but the timing is what we're waiting on. He'll likely end up as a post-June 1, which would save the Saints just under $13 million while being just $2.8 million in dead cap. With all of that being said, New Orleans just really needs to figure out their backup spot.

Bringing back Andy Dalton could certainly make a lot of sense for the team. In all honesty, it might be the easiest play. Dalton could certainly look for another spot, and a team like the Commanders makes sense with the Ken Zampese connection from Dalton's Bengals days.

The quarterback market has moved with quickness after the Carr deal was set. Teams like the Falcons, Panthers, and Dolphins have all said they aren't in on Lamar Jackson. There aren't many free agents that will be looked at as a permanent starter right now, but could be that guy for a team in a pinch. For New Orleans, someone like Teddy Bridgewater would make a lot of sense if Dalton doesn't play out. Another veteran like Marcus Mariota might be interesting to track, but he likely feels like he could start still.

There's been many who have pointed to the draft for the Saints, but that doesn't seem realistic with Carr now on board. Yes, you might have a shot at getting someone like Hendon Hooker at No. 29 or even No. 40, but what's the point in investing there when you just signed Carr? Also, New Orleans has too many other needs to fill. If they do try to draft a quarterback, it would likely be late Day 2 or Day 3.

Prior to Carr joining the Saints, the quarterback need was mission critical. However, that's now dissipated with them landing their guy.