Derek Carr Injury Could Sink Steelers Draft Plan
Some Friday news from the Big Easy could affect the Pittsburgh Steelers’ plans in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. The New Orleans Saints, another team that might be considering taking a quarterback at that event, have gotten word that veteran signal-caller Derek Carr isn’t at 100%.
Due in large part because of what they’re paying him, Carr has appeared to be the Saints’ starter behind center next season. The two parties recently restructured his four-year, $150 million deal to free up $30 million in cap space this season. Carr is dealing with an ailment that could cloud that plan.
“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,” Ian Rapoport wrote Friday on X. “Carr is weighing options, including the possibility of surgery.”
The Saints are under new stewardship, as former Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore has taken over. He’s rumored to be interested in Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who visited the Steelers on Thursday, and New Orleans seems to be Pittsburgh’s biggest competition for Sanders at this point.
“I feel like the Steelers have always been, that 21 spot has always been kind of the floor for Sanders because I think somebody would try to cut the line in front of the Steelers before they could take him, if he slips past the Saints at No. 9,” Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio said during a Wednesday appearance on 93.7 The Fan’s “The PM Team.”
If Derek Carr’s injury affects him long-term, the Saints could very well take a passer with their top-10 pick.