While Derek Carr appears to be enjoying retirement, the rest of the NFL — and especially the New Orleans Saints — are still adjusting to his sudden departure.
Now just months away from the 2025 season, the Saints are left scrambling to identify their next starting quarterback. Carr’s exit has only added to the growing list of concerns in New Orleans, a team already considered to be in a rough spot entering the year.
But where the Saints falter, others in the NFC South may benefit. According to USA Today’s Nate Davis, both the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers are positioned to capitalize.
“The NFC South has long been ruled by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who won the Super Bowl following the 2020 season and have finished atop the division every year since,” Davis wrote. “But led by promising young coaches and quarterbacks, Atlanta and Carolina now see their chances to compete for the divisional throne – or maybe even qualify as surprise wild cards in 2025 – increase given the Saints, who have averaged 7.5 wins per season since QB Drew Brees retired four years ago, have suddenly been thrust into something of a shotgun rebuild.”
The Falcons haven’t won the division since 2016 and have watched both the Saints and Buccaneers dominate it in the years since. While Tampa Bay may still enter the season as the favorite, Atlanta has reason for optimism — thanks to an upgraded roster and the expected full-time emergence of quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
The Falcons split last year’s series with the Saints, though their second matchup in New Orleans — a Week 10 loss — marked the beginning of a 2-6 slide that ultimately cost them a playoff berth and the benching of Kirk Cousins.
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Could Kirk Cousins be traded to Saints?
Carr’s retirement may also shine a new light on Atlanta’s quarterback situation. The Falcons still have Kirk Cousins under contract, and while no rumors have surfaced, New Orleans could theoretically explore a trade if they’re seeking a veteran option.
“Financially, a trade involving Cousins may prove difficult, and the Falcons probably don't want to trade him within the division,” wrote Daniel Mader of The Sporting News. “But crazier things have happened in the NFL. If the Saints are desperate for a veteran presence and strike out on Rodgers, maybe Atlanta is willing to talk about a deal for Cousins.”
MORE: Falcons’ Michael Penix Jr. faces manageable 2025 schedule in first year as full-time starter