Just weeks before the NFL Draft, and a name familiar to Las Vegas Raiders fans might have a hand in the fate of his former team.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the New Orleans Saints suddenly have a serious quarterback issue on their hands, with starter Derek Carr dealing with a shoulder injury that now threatens his 2025 season.
The #Saints suddenly have a major QB question: Starter Derek Carr is now dealing with a shoulder injury that threatens his availability for this season, sources say.
Carr is weighing options, including the possibility of surgery. pic.twitter.com/QNdc9ipE8P
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 11, 2025
While the Saints could pursue veteran options such as Aaron Rodgers to potentially save their season, it is more likely they will look to the draft for their backup plan. With Miami’s Cam Ward expected to go with the first overall pick to the Tennessee Titans, that leaves Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders as the only other ‘pro-ready’ option. Otherwise, the Saints could see their season derailed before minicamp even begins.
The Raiders, as does the rest of the NFL, know the Saints are in desperation mode, and they should be doing what they can to take advantage.
The Saints’ misfortune could end up being the Raiders’ greatest boost in the draft.
In order to achieve peace of mind and remedy the sudden turbulence, the Saints could look to trade up from their ninth overall pick and secure Sanders to guarantee no one swipes him before they are on the clock.
The Raiders have expressed interest in Sanders at multiple points, including after they traded for Geno Smith in March. While it is unlikely they draft a quarterback with the sixth overall pick, that does not stop the Raiders from throwing out a smokescreen and feeding off the Saints’ newfound paranoia. If they can convince Saints general manager Mickey Loomis that there is a realistic possibility of Sanders being the pick, the Raiders suddenly hold all of the negotiating power in a trade.
Moving three spots down might not warrant much in terms of extra compensation, but the level of the need gives the Raiders some incentive to get an extra Day Two pick out of the Saints, starting with their third round selection (71st overall pick).
From there, the Raiders suddenly open up the number of possibilities available to them. Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty could still be on the board at the ninth pick, as are cornerbacks Will Johnson (Michigan) and Jahdae Barron (Texas) if that is not the case. Missouri offensive tackle Armand Membou and Georgia edge rusher Jalon Walker could also be up for grabs if the Raiders embrace a pure ‘best player available’ approach, using the extra pick from the Saints to attack a larger need later.
Carr has not played a game for the Raiders since 2023, but he could lay the groundwork for a successful start of the Pete Carroll-John Spytek era.
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