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Donovan Peoples-Jones Donovan Peoples-Jones Signs with Saints
Mon, May 12, 2025, 2:23 PM
Peoples-Jones agreed to terms Monday on a contract with New Orleans, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.
Analysis: Peoples-Jones spent time on the Lions' practice squad in 2024, but he hasn't logged a regular-season appearance since 2023, when he suited up for eight games with Detroit. Top wideouts Chris Olave (concussion), Rashid Shaheed (knee), Brandin Cooks and Bub Means all missed time due to injuries last season, making wide receiver depth a key area of need for the Saints. In the wake of Derek Carr (shoulder) retiring, Peoples-Jones will have the opportunity to build chemistry with all of Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener. |
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Jake Haener Jake Haener Will compete for QB1 job
Sat, May 10, 2025, 1:22 PM
Saints head coach Kellen Moore said Saturday that all three of the team's currently rostered quarterbacks -- Haener, Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler -- will have an opportunity to complete for the starting quarterback role during camp in the wake of Derek Carr's retirement, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Analysis: Carr's unexpected retirement Saturday swung the door wide open for one of New Orleans' three young quarterbacks to take the reigns as the team's starting QB in 2025. None of the trio has much experience -- Shough is a rookie, Haener has thrown just 39 NFL passes, and Rattler has thrown 228 passes -- so they are beginning the competition on a pretty level playing field in that regard. However, Haener is probably a longshot to earn the QB1 nod based on the fact that Rattler was the primary choice to step in last season after Carr was hurt, while Shough has the most invested in him, as the Saints selected him in the second round of April's NFL Draft. Haener also looked overwhelmed in his lone NFL start, completing just four of 10 passes for 49 yards and an interception in Week 15 last season before being benched after halftime. |
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Spencer Rattler Spencer Rattler Could battle for QB1 role
Sat, May 10, 2025, 10:29 AM
As a result of Derek Carr (shoulder) announcing his retirement from the NFL on Saturday, Rattler could battle with rookie Tyler Shough for the Saints' starting quarterback role to begin the 2025 campaign.
Analysis: Carr's retirement leaves New Orleans with a QB room consisting of Rattler, Shough and Jake Haener. In terms of game experience, Rattler is the most experienced of the trio -- he got into seven games as a rookie last year but largely struggled, completing just 57 percent of his 228 pass attempts for 1,317 yards and a 4:5 TD:INT while adding 146 yards on the ground on 18 carries. However, Shough -- who is a rookie but is exactly one year older than Rattler -- may be the favorite for the QB1 role heading into training camp after the Saints took him in the second round of April's NFL Draft. As it currently stands, both QBs should have an opportunity to make a case for the Week 1 starting role throughout camp and preseason play, though there's an outside chance New Orleans could bring in a more seasoned QB via free agency or trade. |
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Tyler Shough Tyler Shough Opportunity for QB1 role as rookie
Sat, May 10, 2025, 10:07 AM
Shough is lined up to be the Saints' starting quarterback next season after Derek Carr (shoulder) announced his retirement Saturday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: Coming into the weekend, there were already questions about Carr's potential availability for the 2025 campaign due to the veteran quarterback's shoulder issue, and his decision to retire has left the Saints with a QB room featuring Shough, Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener. Rattler struggled as a rookie last year, completing just 57 percent of his passes while posting a 4:5 TD:INT, but he did rush for 146 yards on just 18 carries and could get a chance to begin the season as the starter behind center given that he is the most experienced of the group. However, Shough should at least have the opportunity to battle for the Week 1 starting role and may be the favorite for the job after the Saints took him the second round of April's NFL Draft. Though he's an NFL rookie, Shough is 26 years old, so New Orleans has little incentive to stash him on the bench for development purposes, but there's always a possibility the organization brings in a more experienced quarterback via free agency or trade. |
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Derek Carr Derek Carr Announces retirement
Sat, May 10, 2025, 9:52 AM
Carr (shoulder) has decided to retire from the NFL, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Analysis: Carr ended the 2024 season on the sidelines with a broken left hand and an oblique injury that he suffered in Week 14 against the Giants. He later suffered a labral tear in his right shoulder while gearing up for the 2025 season. Tyler Shough, taken in the second round of the 2025 Draft, could emerge as New Orleans' starting QB with Carr retiring. |
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Derek Carr Derek Carr Shoulder situation remains murky
Tue, May 6, 2025, 6:58 PM
Carr (shoulder) has been to New Orleans twice in recent weeks to meet with the Saints' team doctor, Jane Slater of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: Carr ended the 2025 season on the sidelines with a broken left hand and an oblique injury that he suffered in Week 14 against the Giants, but it has now come to light that his current shoulder issue stems from that same game. The quarterback apparently didn't notice the injury to his throwing shoulder when he was shut down from throwing while recovering from the aforementioned injuries. Once he began ramping up for the team's spring program, he noticed the shoulder issue. Carr has yet to make a decision on if he'll undergo surgery on the ailing shoulder and his availability for the 2025 campaign remains unclear, but a decision is expected to be made in the near future. |
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Derek Carr Derek Carr New Orleans awaiting clarity
Wed, Apr 23, 2025, 3:06 PM
Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said Wednesday that Carr "does have an issue with his shoulder" and that the team is "hoping to get some resolution and clarity on that in the near future," Katherine Terrell of ESPN reports.
Analysis: Loomis outwardly declined to answer any questions about Carr's injury or status with the team at Wednesday's press conference, additionally refusing to answer affirmatively or negatively when asked whether New Orleans' starting quarterback is currently on the roster, per John Sigler of USA Today. Carr is reportedly considering shoulder surgery that could impact his availability for 2025 due to a previously undisclosed injury, with speculation that the decision is related to dissatisfaction with the Saints and a desire to move on. Due to the veteran quarterback's contract being restructured in March, he is owed roughly $40 million guaranteed in salary and bonuses this season. |
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Chris Olave Chris Olave Fifth-year option to be picked up
Wed, Apr 23, 2025, 12:42 PM
Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said Wednesday that the team plans to exercise the fifth-year option on Olave's (concussion) contract, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Olave, a 2022 first-round pick, will now have his rookie contract run through 2026, with its final year projected at a guaranteed $16.8 million salary. The star wideout missed the final eight games of 2024 due to a concussion -- his second of the season -- though he did resume practicing in full for the regular season's final two weeks. New head coach called Olave a "phenomenal player" at the 2025 NFL owners meeting early APril, per Michael Rothstein of ESPN, expressing that the team has a plan moving forward to factor "the circumstances he is in" from a medical perspective. |
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Derek Carr Derek Carr Wants out of New Orleans?
Wed, Apr 16, 2025, 8:41 AM
Carr's discussion of shoulder surgery may be related to dissatisfaction with the Saints and a desire to be released, according to Mike Triplett and Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football.
Analysis: Carr reportedly preferred to be released earlier this offseason, but the Saints instead did a simple contract restructure to shift more of his cap hit to future seasons without adding/removing money. It was then revealed last week that the 34-year-old QB is considering surgery for a previously unreported shoulder injury, and with a recovery timeline that could keep him out for the start of the 2025 season. It's hard to say exactly what's going on here, but it is clear that fantasy managers shouldn't assume Carr will be the Week 1 starter in New Orleans under new head coach Kellen Moore. The other options under contract are Spencer Rattler, Jake Haener and Ben DiNucci, which makes the Saints a top candidate to draft a QB on Day 1 or 2 next week. |
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Derek Carr Derek Carr May require shoulder surgery
Fri, Apr 11, 2025, 4:11 PM
Carr (shoulder/hand) is nursing a shoulder injury that may require surgery and could impact his availability for the 2025 season, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: Carr, who missed seven games in 2024 (including the Saints' final four contests) due to a left oblique injury and a fractured left hand, is now dealing with an injury that could significantly impact the Saints' coming season, as well as the team's decisions in April's draft. Further details regarding the veteran signal-caller's injury should be forthcoming, but Rapoport reports that surgery is among the options being considered by Carr and New Orleans. With only Spencer Rattler, Jake Haener and Ben DiNucci currently available behind Carr on the depth chart, the Saints figure to be increasingly motivated to explore remaining free agency options at quarterback, and the team's decision at No. 9 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft could now more realistically trend toward the position. |
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Brandin Cooks Brandin Cooks Headed back to New Orleans
Fri, Mar 21, 2025, 1:06 PM
The Saints are slated to sign Cooks, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, the wideout's reported deal is a two-year pact worth $13 million. Cooks, who joined the NFL as a 2014 first-round pick of the Saints, is thus poised to return to New Orleans, where he'll add speed and experience to a WR corps which is led by Chris Olave and also includes Rashid Shaheed. In 10 regular-season games with the Cowboys in 2024, Cooks recorded 26 catches for 259 yards and three touchdowns on 54 targets, but with his looming change of scenery, a bounce-back campaign could be in order for the 31-year-old, with a path to steady snaps seemingly on tap for him in 2025. |
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Cedrick Wilson Cedrick Wilson Accepts reduced salary
Wed, Mar 19, 2025, 9:48 AM
Wilson has reworked his contract with the Saints, reducing his 2015 base salary from $3.4 million to $1.17 million, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: The new salary is league minimum for a player with Wilson's service time. This improves his chances of earning a roster spot, and the contract is still scheduled to void after the 2025 season. The 29-year-old played 15 regular-season games for the Saints in 2024, catching 20 of 27 targets for 211 yards and one touchdown while mostly serving as the team's third or fourth wide receiver. Wilson's role in 2025, or lack thereof, will partially depend on the health of Chris Olave (head) and Rashid Shaheed (knee). |
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Velus Jones Velus Jones Heading to New Orleans
Sat, Mar 15, 2025, 9:20 PM
Jones signed a contract with the Saints on Saturday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Jones played three regular-season games (two with the Bears, one with the Panthers) in 2024 and logged two carries for 11 yards and one catch for eight yards over that span. He's got an outside shot at consistent reps out of the Saints' backfield, but he could earn a spot on the 53-man roster for 2025 as a return specialist. |
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Jack Stoll Jack Stoll Lands in New Orleans
Thu, Mar 13, 2025, 9:07 AM
Stoll agreed to terms Thursday on a one-year contract with the Saints, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: Stoll played seven regular-season games in Philadelphia last year before being waived, then being claimed by Miami and making four more appearances. He'll now get a chance to compete for a depth gig in New Orleans, where he boasts familiarity with new head coach Kellen Moore. |
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Juwan Johnson Juwan Johnson Re-signs for three years
Tue, Mar 11, 2025, 2:41 PM
Johnson and the Saints agreed to terms Tuesday on a three-year, $30.75 million contract, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: The initial report suggests the deal maxes out at $34.5 million and includes $21.25 million guaranteed. It looks like an overpay relative to other tight ends with similar receiving production, especially when considering how little Johnson offers as a blocker. A weak free-agent class may have been a factor, as Johnson would've been one of the better options amongst a weak crop if the Saints hadn't locked him up before he hit the open market. The 28-year-old averaged 2.6-2.8 receptions and 28-33 receiving yards per game each of the past three seasons, buoyed by strong finishes in 2023 and 2024 after not doing much for most of the year. |
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Dante Pettis Dante Pettis Returning to NOLA for 2025
Sun, Mar 9, 2025, 3:42 PM
The Saints signed Pettis to a one-year contract Sunday, Ari Merov of The 33rd Team reports.
Analysis: Pettis signed with the Saints' practice squad in October after being let go by the Bears with an injury settlement in early September. He was elevated from the practice squad three times before being signed to the active roster in December and saw an increased role in the Saints' offense over the last four games of the regular season, during which he logged nine catches (on 22 targets) for 98 yards and one touchdown. Now under contract for one more year, Pettis will look to earn an even bigger role for himself for the 2025 campaign under new head coach Kellen Moore. |
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Derek Carr Derek Carr Restructuring contract with NOLA
Sat, Mar 8, 2025, 5:06 PM
Carr (hand) and the Saints are working towards converting most of his money into a signing bonus to create salary cap space, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: Carr and the Saints spent multiple weeks discussing options on how to reduce the quarterback's salary cap hit. Converting Carr's salary to a signing bonus appears to be the route the two sides are going and will clear up about $30 million in cap space, per Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football, and all but guarantees that the 2014 second-round pick will return to New Orleans for a third season. Carr missed seven games in 2024 due to a left oblique injury and a fractured left hand, and he finished the regular season completing 67.7 percent of his passes for 2,145 yards, 15 touchdowns and five interceptions across 10 games. |
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Derek Carr Derek Carr Viewed as starter
Wed, Feb 26, 2025, 3:26 PM
Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said Wednesday that he views Carr (hand) as the team's starting quarterback heading into the 2025 season, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Loomis said that he believes the Saints "can win with" Carr, echoing the tone of new head coach Kellen Moore, who said earlier this month that the 33-year-old is a "tremendous starting quarterback in this league." Regardless of New Orleans' enthusiasm, Carr's $51.4 million cap hit for 2025 poses a significant hurdle that the team will have to address in order to maneuver properly in free agency. Terrell reports that restructuring Carr's contract could free up $31 million in cap space for the 2025 season, at the cost of making his cap hit in 2026 -- the final year of his contract -- roughly $69 million. Carr is recovering from an injury-riddled campaign in which he most notably missed the final four games of the season due to a broken bone in his non-throwing hand. |
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Derek Carr Derek Carr Offseason cut candidate?
Tue, Feb 25, 2025, 3:54 PM
Carr (hand) is scheduled to make $40 million in 2025, with one-fourth of the money already guaranteed and the other three-fourths becoming guaranteed if he's still on the roster in mid-March, ESPN's Dan Graziano reports.
Analysis: Paradoxically, the Saints' perennially disastrous cap situation may actually make them more likely to retain Carr, as the easiest way to achieve cap compliance is by renegotiating and extending veterans' contracts. They can release him before mid-March with a post-June 1 designation to push most of the dead-money charge to 2026, but that wouldn't free up 2025 cap space until June (even if the transaction is made long before). Carr will turn 34 in March, following a 2025 campaign in which he suffered numerous injuries and eventually missed the final four weeks with a broken bone in his non-throwing hand. |
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Clyde Edwards-Helaire Clyde Edwards-Helaire Staying in New Orleans
Thu, Feb 13, 2025, 4:28 PM
Edwards-Helaire signed a reserve/future contract with the Saints on Thursday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
Analysis: Edwards-Helaire started the 2024 season on the Chiefs' reserve/non-football illness list. He was activated from the NFI list Oct. 15 but was a healthy scratch for the next nine games and was ultimately waived by Kansas City in mid-December. He signed with the Saints' practice squad two days later and was elevated for the final two games of the regular season, during which he logged 13 carries for 46 yards while adding three catches (on five targets) for 24 yards. By signing a future contract, Edwards-Helaire will be on the Saints' 90-man roster for the start of the new league year March 12. He'll be able to participate in OTAs, minicamp and training camp and will look to earn a spot on New Orleans' 53-man roster for the 2025 season. |
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