Canal Street Chronicles
Waiting a year to draft a QB could prove worthwhile for New Orleans.
The New Orleans Saints have a big decision to make in a couple weeks. With the 2025 NFL Draft looming and Derek Carr’s availability for next season in question, the Saints need to decide whether or not to spend their first top 10 pick in 15+ years on a quarterback.
Personally, I don’t think they should.
I know I may be in the minority here, but I don’t think this roster is a rookie quarterback away from making the playoffs and contending next season. Unless you find a Jayden Daniels in this year’s draft (and I don’t think there is anyone close to him in this class), then I think you have to take best player available, and I don’t think that’s going to be Shedeur Sanders or Jaxson Dart. This roster has far too many needs to reach on a quarterback in the top 10.
Another reason I think the Saints shouldn’t draft a quarterback is because next year’s QB class is miles ahead of this year’s. I like Cam Ward as a prospect, but I think there are four, maybe even five guys in next year’s class I’d take over Sanders or Dart.
The argument against that is, many people think the Saints will be a better team in 2025 than they were in 2024 with Kellen Moore taking over as head coach. While I was inclined to believe that, with Derek Carr now possibly missing all of next year, I see the Saints being in a similar spot in next year’s draft. I like Spencer Rattler, and I think he has talent, but I don’t think he’s ready to lead this roster to 7+ wins. Even if he’s better than I think and the Saints end up with a pick in the 12-18 range, I think the QBs next year are good enough that you feel pretty comfortable spending some future picks to move up and get one if need be. I can’t say the same about Sanders or Dart.
Let’s take a look at some of the top 2026 QBs to further prove my point.
I know Arch is yet to have a full season as a starter under his belt, but when he stepped in for an injured Quinn Ewers, he looked really good. In three games as a starter, Manning threw for 806 yards and eight touchdowns while rushing for 82 yards and two scores. He’s a natural thrower of the football, but he’s also very athletic, which gives you the rushing ability you look for in quarterbacks nowadays.
There are some questions on whether or not he’ll enter the draft with one year of college under his belt, but if he performs the way many think he will, he’ll have a hard time turning down being a top 10 pick in 2026.
Plus, doesn’t a Manning in New Orleans just feel right?
