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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
What In the World Is Going On With the Saints?
What In the World Is Going On With the Saints? originally appeared on Athlon Sports. After years of waiting for the New Orleans Saints to finally bite the bullet on their woeful salary cap situation and strip their current, dilapidated iteration to the ground in order to spark a rebirth, some seismic changes finally happened this offseason. Advertisement First-time head coach Kellen Moore replaced Dennis Allen, a holdover from the Sean Payton era as former defensive coordinator, and the Derek Carr experiment finally closed after his injury-induced retirement. But are those changes big enough to actually get the Saints pointed in the right direction again, and return them to any kind of relevance in the NFC South race anytime soon? In last week's episode of "Best Podcast Available," I sat down with Fox Sports' Greg Auman to talk about what in the world is going on with the Saints right now, and how it could impact their future. "The problem with New Orleans is that they didn't do that," Auman said of the Saints blowing it all up and embracing a complete rebuild. "They could have pulled off the band-aid a lot neater than they did. There's definitely a lot of pushing the cap down the road, but it's still gonna be a thing." Injuries forced Derek Carr into an early Biggerstaff-Imagn Images Carr's retirement was actually a blessing for a team struggling under the weight of salary cap problems years in the making, saving them millions by not having to pay an aging quarterback who had struggled to stay healthy since joining the team as a high-priced offseason addition. Advertisement "They got a huge break with the Derek Carr thing," Auman said. "To basically get a $30 million check back from a quarterback they weren't going to play, is awesome. That's a gift in the right direction." To replace Carr, the Saints spent a top-40 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Louisville's Tyler Shough, who seemed to make a late push up the board despite the fact that many evaluators and media analyst had him pegged as a Day 3 pick. Thanks to multiple season-ending injuries that elongated his college career, Shough will turn 26 years old during his first NFL season, but perhaps by default, he's the likely Week 1 starter in New Orleans. "Quarterback isn't a position where you can have a lot of half-measures," Auman said, channeling his inner Mike Ehrmentraut. "I feel like they have an unusual tack to the position, which is kinda like putting up 35-footers in basketball. If you take a fourth-round pick, it might work out. Jake Haener might be a star, and if he isn't, you try a year later with Spencer Rattler in the fifth round. Now, you try again with a 26-year-old rookie. Tyler Shough could be great. We don't know that. But there's not a lot of precedent for somebody that old finding success in the NFL as a rookie, or . . . period," Auman said. Second-round pick Tyler Shough will be a 26-year-old rookie quarterback in the Lew-Imagn Images Brandon Weeden, Chris Weinke and Aidan O'Connell isn't exactly the best company for your hopeful franchise quarterback, but the Saints are banking on Shough being the exception to the rule. Advertisement "If you throw for 15 touchdowns, you're the best ever," Auman said of rookie quarterbacks aged 25 or older. There are some positive signs for the future when it comes to the Saints' roster construction in recent years, though. Last year, they spent a first-round pick on a stud offensive tackle in Oregon State's Taliese Fuaga. This year, they used a top-10 selection on another one, grabbing Texas' Kelvin Banks Jr. to plug in immediately at left tackle, which should allow Fuaga to go back to his more natural spot on the right side. "They now have two offensive tackles they should be able to believe in," Auman said. "And that's them accepting that Trevor Penning isn't an answer. There are lots of other places they could have used those picks, so to spend a top-10 pick on another tackle is trying to anchor and upgrade a foundational part of your team long-term, and that's smart." First-round pick Kelvin Banks Jr. should solidify the offensive tackle position for years to Miron-USA TODAY Sports For years, the Saints' defense was a reliable strength and a point of pride, even as they struggled through the post-Drew Brees/Sean Payton era on offense. But that unit has increasingly started to show the signs of age and those pesky cap issues, exposing a group that just keeps getting older while not getting any cheaper. Advertisement "The defense is not a whole lot better," Auman said. "And part of the problem with the Saints' cap hell is that you're essentially married to all the same people, because you literally can't afford to cut them. I think Cam Jordan's last three years have been 2-4-2 in sacks. Just a really bad drop-off. Demario Davis hasn't dropped off as much, but he's also 35 years old. Tyrann Mathieu . . . there are guys they continue to count on far beyond an age at which you expect them to be contributors. And I think this is probably the last year for those three." The Saints have struggled to find high-quality defenders through the draft, and having those high-priced veterans locked on the books thanks to constant restructuring of contracts has forced them to let other promising players walk in free agency, some of them thriving elsewhere. "Try to think about an impact draft pick that they've hit on for the defense in the last four years, and it's tough," Auman says. "They don't keep Zack Baun, and he's a first-team All-Pro for the Eagles at $4 million. And that's a situation where you can't afford to keep your depth, and it's hard to get somebody to stay for not a lot of money, on not a great team." Kellen Moore has his work cut out for him as a first-time head Lew-Imagn Images There's understandable hope that Moore can inject life into what had become a stagnant offense, but it'll take time for those new pieces to build chemistry, and they're not likely to resemble the peak of the Brees/Payton days anytime soon. Advertisement "This is a new era for them," Auman said. "Kellen Moore, how will he take, especially with not a lot at quarterback? But it allows you to turn a page offensively. I mean, you think about what they've done with offensive coordinators in recent years, in the post-Brees/post-Payton era, and it hasn't been great. So, this feels like the most comprehensive reset they've had since Payton left, since Brees retired." It's been a rough ride without those two, and it might be awhile before Moore can dig them out of the NFC South basement, where they're pegged for another last-place finish that might not even reach last year's highs. "They don't have a lot to show for that four years, in terms of competition," Auman said. "Their record last year, 5-12, it's the worst since 2005, since before Payton got there. And they're gonna do well just to match that, just to get to five wins, with a rookie quarterback and an old defense. I'm not saying it can't happen, but it's a tough spot to be in." Perhaps the most interesting storyline in New Orleans will be what happens next offseason, when they could be faced with the opportunity to take a true franchise quarterback prospect at the top of the draft, despite having just burned a top-40 pick in 2025 on a passer who will be 27 years old in Week 1 of the 2026 season. An aging, expensive defense won't help the Saints' rebuild go any faster in Lew-Imagn Images "I think they'll have patience with Kellen Moore," Auman said. "They're not gonna move on from a first-year coach, but this is a team that, even though they took a quarterback in the second round, lines up to be a team that has a top-five pick (next year). That could be Arch Manning, could be Garrett Nussmeier. They've got all kinds of connections there." Advertisement What will success look like for the Saints in 2025? It's a pretty low bar, and plenty of things will have to go right for a team that's old, expensive, and lacks a difference-maker at the game's most important position. "It's asking for guys to stay healthy, it's asking Kamara to look like a guy he hasn't been the last couple of years . . . there are a lot of things that have to come together for them," Auman said. "If they take a step forward, if they get to six wins with a first-year coach, that's impressive." To check out the entire conversation, including deep dives on every team in the NFC South, watch the full episode of BPA: Related: The Bucs Own the NFC South, and They're Primed to Win it Again in 2025 Related: Can the Falcons Finally Dethrone the Bucs in the NFC South? This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Surprise contender emerges to be New Orleans Saints' starting QB in 2025
The Saints' quarterback situation is reportedly less straightforward than previously believed. Following the sudden retirement of Derek Carr, many assumed that Tyler Shough was the presumptive starter given that he was selected in the second round of this year's NFL Draft. And while the former Louisville passer may in fact win the starting job, ESPN's Dan Graziano believes there will be a 'true competition' in training camp between Shough and Spencer Rattler. '...There are people in the Saints' building who like Spencer Rattler and want to give him a chance to compete with Shough for the starting job,' Graziano wrote. 'And so far this offseason, Rattler has shown improvement over his poor 2024 rookie performance. 'As of now, expect the Saints to set up training camp as a true competition between Shough and Rattler. Could Shough have the edge as the player the new coaching staff drafted with the 40th pick? Absolutely. But it doesn't sound like anything is already a done deal.' Shough, 25, spent a whopping seven years in the college ranks, playing for the likes of Oregon and Texas Tech before finishing out his collegiate career with Louisville last year. Derek Carr announced his retirement from the NFL in sudden fashion back in May And the passer had by far his best season there, notching a career-high 3,195 passing yards and 23 touchdowns. Rattler, whom the Saints selected in the fifth round of the 2024 Draft, is actually a year younger than Shough. Due to injuries to Carr, Rattler got the chance to make six starts last season, in which he averaged 197 yards per game and totaled three passing touchdowns to five interceptions. New Orleans lost all six of his starts. Carr, who also suffered an oblique injury in October, saw his season prematurely end on December 8 due to a concussion and a left-hand injury. He began throwing again in March after his 2024 season ended, but soon began experiencing discomfort in his throwing shoulder. Subsequent medical scans revealed 'significant degenerative changes to his rotator cuff,' according to the Saints. And although surgery was an option, it would have put his entire 2025 season in jeopardy - and still wouldn't ensure a return to full strength. Ultimately, the 34-year-old decided in May to call it quits. 'Upon reflection of prayer, and in discussion with Heather, I've decided to retire from the National Football League,' Carr said in his statement. 'For more than 11 years, we have been incredibly blessed, and we are forever grateful and humbled by this experience. 'It's difficult to find the right words to express our thanks to all the teammates, coaches, management, ownership, team officials and especially the fans who made this journey so special. Your unwavering support has meant the world to us.' The Saints will open up their 2025 season on September 7 against the Cardinals.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Giants Trade Rumor Draws Emotional Reaction From Young Superstar Receiver
Giants Trade Rumor Draws Emotional Reaction From Young Superstar Receiver originally appeared on Athlon Sports. We're not sure who started the rumor that would have the New York Giants trading for receiver Chris Olave of the New Orleans Saints. Advertisement But we know who is shutting it down. In addition to new Saints coach Kellen Moore putting a cork in it ... 'I wouldn't worry too much about that,' Moore said this week.'We feel really, really good about Chris. He's had an excellent offseason, he's had an excellent career so far, and he's going to have an excellent future.' ... Now Olave himself is speaking out with some emotion about the gossip. First, to any Giants logic. One guy like Malik Nabers is great. Two guys like that? New York would double its pleasure by somehow adding a young (24) former first-round talent who when healthy is a perennial 1,000-yard season performer. Advertisement The team just re-signed Darius Slayton to a three-year deal and he's a well-liked veteran in the locker room and stands to improve with Russell Wilson under center. But he's no Olave. And now to the Saints logic ... New Orleans just lost QB Derek Carr to retirement and is rebooting under Moore. The Saints need to find a way to add talent ... not give it away. That's especially true when a talented guy likes it there. "It's all rumors, man,'' Olave said this week, with some emotion. "I love it here, man. I love the front office. I love my coaches. I'm excited to be here and I want to be here forever. Advertisement This is where I want to be.' If that ever changes? If the former Ohio State wants out? Or if the Saints want him out? New York should call. But it shouldn't hold its breath. Related: 3 Stats Define Giants' Newest Running Back Related: Giants Rookie Accused of Causing Career-Ending Injury This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
11-06-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Ranking the Saints' highest salary cap hits after Derek Carr, Ryan Ramczyk retirements
Ranking the Saints' highest salary cap hits after Derek Carr, Ryan Ramczyk retirements A couple of big retirements hit the New Orleans Saints' accounting books this month with both Derek Carr and Ryan Ramczyk stepping away from football. With those two contracts out of the way, which players now carry the highest salary cap hits on the team? It isn't as easy as saying "This guy has the biggest contract." The Saints always get creative in structuring deals and restructuring them in the years that follow so they can spread out the costs. It's a strategy that makes sense when the salary cap is going up and your team is competitive with a sure thing at quarterback. But the COVID years changed expectations for the cap, and the Saints never did find a worthy successor to Drew Brees. So now they're working to recover. And they're very close to cleaning up the books. The Saints have almost $30 million in salary cap space right now, despite accounting for nearly $77 million in dead money going to players no longer on the roster. The cap is rising again and they'll be on the other side of this thing sooner rather than later. With almost all of this year's salary cap gymnastics behind us, here's a look at their 15 highest cap hits in 2025: Taysom Hill: $17,986,500 Alvin Kamara: $10,061,471 Cameron Jordan: $9,775,000 Erik McCoy: $8,351,000 Demario Davis: $6,923,000 Chase Young: $6,842,000 Carl Granderson: $6,482,000 Chris Olave: $6,131,959 Tyrann Mathieu: $6,091,000 Cesar Ruiz: $5,866,000 Juwan Johnson: $5,245,000 Kelvin Banks Jr.: $5,042,045 Foster Moreau: $4,634,000 Trevor Penning: $4,500,146 Rashid Shaheed: $4,450,000 Something has to give with Hill's contract -- either another restructure, a pay cut, or some other arrangement. He's still recovering from a season-ending knee injury and the Saints aren't in a position to pay him that much money at this stage in his career. If he does plan on playing this season, they'll have to choose whether to take their lumps now or kick the can down the road a little further, knowing that Hill's contract ends after this season. It isn't an easy problem to solve.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Derek Carr Further Explains Retirement Decision From New Orleans Saints
Derek Carr Further Explains Retirement Decision From New Orleans Saints originally appeared on Athlon Sports. We can now officially say 'former' New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr. After surprisingly announcing his retirement in early May after 11 NFL seasons and 2 with New Orleans, Carr's retirement became official on June 2. Advertisement Carr's retirement also caused him to pass up $30 million in guaranteed money, thereby also opening up cap space for New Orleans. Mostly silent since his announcement, Carr recently opened up about the situation that led to his decision. David Rumsey of Front Office Sports interviewed Carr earlier this week. In doing so, the 34-year-old former quarterback tried to shed some enlightenment into his decision to step away. ''That part was tough (leaving behind the money) because I didn't want to have surgery and just sit there and—it sounds crazy but—just take the Saints money. I wouldn't have been able to play if I had the surgery,' Carr said. 'And then if I tried to play with it, I wasn't near 100%, and so that doesn't help them, either. I just felt like it was the right thing to do for myself and for the team. I never played just for the money. I had a whole bunch of people tell me how crazy I was, and 'Man, I would never have done that.' That's all cool, but I've gained all these things that the world has to offer, and it doesn't really do anything for your heart. I knew my heart was at peace, and that's really all that mattered.' New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) throws a pass against the Green Bay Packers. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images Shortly after the Saints and Carr agreed to a restructured contract for the 2025 season, news broke that Carr had an injury to the AC joint in his right (throwing) shoulder that would require surgery. The surgery would have likely caused him to miss the 2025-26 season. Advertisement There have been conflicting reports about when Carr injured his shoulder. Some reports claim that he's been dealing with the issue since leaving a loss to the Green Bay Packers early in the 2023 campaign. Carr has insisted that he injured it last last season against the New York Giants. In that Week 14 game, Carr also suffered a broken wrist that would end his season. It would also mark the end of Derek Carr's Saints career, as it turned out. New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) runs with the ball against the New York Giants. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images Interestingly, there were several confirmed reports that Carr and his representatives reached out to other NFL teams to guage their interest in the quarterback for this upcoming season. It wasn't until after those attempts resulted in no interest that Carr announced his retirement. Advertisement David Rumsey of Front Office Sports also asked Carr if was regretting his retirement decision. ''My agent literally texted me a few days ago and he said, 'Hey, just checking it in. How's everything? You still feel comfortable with the decision?' And I sent him a picture of me on the beach with my two kids playing. And I said, 'This beats an OTA any day.' And he said, 'Yeah, I thought so,'' Carr said. 'So, I'm doing great and have thoroughly enjoyed being home.' New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes the ball against the Atlanta Falcons. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Derek Carr entered the NFL as a second round choice in the 2014 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders out of Fresno State. He was with the Raiders for nine seasons before his release, then joining the New Orleans Saints. Carr had a 65.1% career completion percentage with 41,245 passing yards, 257 touchdowns, and 112 interceptions over his 11 seasons. In two years and 27 starts with the Saints, Carr completed 68.2% of his throws for 6,023 yards and 40 touchdowns with 13 interceptions. Whether you believe Carr's reasoning for retirement is irrelevant. He is no longer with the Saints and saved the franchise several million dollars in leaving. New Orleans drafted Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough in Round 2 of this year's draft and had already appeared content in moving on from the Derek Carr saga. Advertisement Related: Saints Countdown To Kickoff With The History Of Number 94 Related: Saints Quarterback Ranking According To Pro Football Focus Related: Pro Football Focus Snubs Saints In Under-25 Rankings This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
