The New Orleans Saints have one of the league’s weakest quarterback rooms following Derek Carr’s surprise retirement. With the longtime veteran and four-time Pro Bowler hanging up the cleats, Kellen Moore’s squad will have second-round rookie Tyler Shough battling veterans Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener. Rattler and Haener filled in for Carr last year, failing to inspire confidence while going 0-7 in their seven combined starts. Shough, meanwhile, offers the promise of the unknown but will be 26 years old by Week 1.
With such an inexperienced quarterback room, some experts across the league expect the Saints to add a veteran quarterback via trade or free agency. The Cleveland Browns are the most likely trade partners, as the team has four players battling for the starting job. While the team won’t part ways with rookies Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders, one would assume veterans Kenny Pickett or Joe Flacco could be acquired for the right price. Unfortunately, that is not the case, as Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot reports Cleveland does not plan on trading any of their quarterbacks.
REPORT: Browns Won’t Trade A Quarterback to the Saints
The Browns aren’t currently planning on trading a quarterback, but that could change as the offseason continues. As mentioned above, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders will make the roster, and most teams only carry a maximum of three quarterbacks on the active roster. This likely leaves Pickett and Flacco battling for one job. Given the inexperience at the position, the winner of this veteran battle will probably start the season under center, while the loser will be traded for a late-round pick.
Even if one of Shough, Rattler, or Haener impresses in the offseason, the Saints could use a veteran quarterback in the room. Starting in the NFL is no easy feat, and Pickett and Flacco both have plenty of experience with that responsibility. Even if they don’t see the field, they could help whoever lines up under center adjust to arguably the hardest job in sports.
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