The impact of Derek Carr potentially missing next season can’t be overstated. He was going into what was expected to be his final season with the New Orleans Saints, and an injury keeps him from being able to change his fate. One thing it shouldn’t change is the NFL draft plans.
While the injury will place an even greater spotlight on the decision, it shouldn’t make the Saints more aggressive. Assuming it was his final year, Carr’s injury doesn’t impact the Saints’ long-term plans. Drafting a quarterback is a long-term investment and shouldn’t be rushed. We’ve seen that backfire before.
If the Saints are going to be more aggressive in pursuit of a quarterback, it should be for a veteran quarterback who can either a starter or a viable backup to Spencer Rattler.
That is a better option than reaching for a rookie just because you think you need him. If the Saints were comfortable with the gamble Jalen Milroe or Jaxson Dart dropping out of the first round to 40, for example, they shouldn’t make a move into the back end of the first round because of the injury. Aggressiveness around acquiring a prospect should be based on how much the Saints like the prospect, not how Carr’s injury impacts the quarterback room.