With Derek Carr’s 2025 return uncertain, could a $9M QB trade save the Saints?

Just when things were supposed to be stable in New Orleans, chaos returned to the quarterback room. Derek Carr brought in to finally end the Saints’ drama but instead he may be facing a serious shoulder issue that could sideline him for most, if not all, of the 2025 season. With the NFL Draft around the corner and $27 million in cap space, the Saints are now exploring all options: veteran backups, low-cost trades, and even rookie first-rounders. One surprising name? Former Titans QB Will Levis.


Carr reportedly suffered a significant injury to his throwing shoulder that might affect his availability well into the regular season. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport confirmed the concern, raising alarms in the Saints front office. Carr turns 34 this year and, while still under contract, doesn’t represent a long-term solution especially if injuries continue to pile up.
That leaves New Orleans with a tough call to make and not a lot of time to make it.
One of the most buzzed-about solutions? A potential trade for Titans quarterback Will Levis.

According to Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton, the Saints could land Levis and a 2025 fifth-round pick in exchange for a 2025 fourth-rounder, an extremely reasonable swap financially and strategically. Levis has a cap hit of just $9 million and is looking for a fresh start after a rough sophomore season.
In 2024, he threw for 2,091 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, but also tied for the league lead in total turnovers with 18. That said, the Saints offer a much more balanced offensive setup—Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave, and Rashid Shaheed could give Levis the help he didn’t have in Tennessee.
If New Orleans doesn’t want to gamble on a project like Levis, the safer route could be a free-agent veteran. Carson Wentz is one of the top remaining names still unsigned, experienced, and affordable. He wouldn’t threaten the long-term picture but could keep the offense afloat if Carr misses extended time.
Other names floating around include Jacoby Brissett and Marcus Mariota, both steady, experienced, and available.
Shedeur Sanders is a hot name, but he might not be available by then unless New Orleans trades up.

With Derek Carr’s injury timeline unclear, the Saints can’t afford to sit still. Whether they opt for a $9 million swing at Will Levis, a one-year plug like Carson Wentz, or roll the dice in the draft, it’s clear that New Orleans is headed for another quarterback shakeup. What they do next could decide not just their 2025 season but their future beyond it.