In the heart of New Orleans, the Saints find themselves grappling with a significant quarterback dilemma as they head into the offseason. Just a week ago, the team was gearing up to support their starting quarterback, Derek Carr. However, a report on April 11 revealed that Carr is dealing with a shoulder injury, a concerning issue that was not publicly disclosed until mere days before the Saints were set to commence their voluntary offseason workout program.

The exact timeline of when the Saints became aware of Carr's injury remains unclear. A league source indicated that some assistant coaches within the organization were caught off guard by the news, which raises concerns about the communication and management of player health within the team. As it stands, the severity of Carr's shoulder issue is also shrouded in uncertainty, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering about the implications for the upcoming season.

New head coach Kellen Moore's initial comments during his opening press conference indicated a noncommittal stance regarding Carrs status. Nevertheless, he later expressed public support for Carr during interviews at the NFL scouting combine and the annual league meeting in March. This wavering stance has prompted speculation about the Saints' confidence in Carr's ability to lead the team.

To further complicate matters, the Saints took proactive steps earlier this year by restructuring Carr's contract in March. Despite Carr expressing a willingness to explore options in free agency prior to the contract restructuring, the Saints reassured their commitment to him. The "automatic conversion clause" in players' contracts allows the team significant flexibility in managing salary cap issues, but it also resulted in Carr's $40 million base salary and $10 million roster bonus being fully guaranteed for the current season. The only circumstances under which these guarantees could be voided are exceptionally limited, such as an NFL suspension, retirement, or if the player departs the team without consent.

The contract stipulates that injuries do not void these guarantees, provided they are football-related and disclosed promptly to the team. This has led to further scrutiny regarding Carrs injury and its impact on the Saints' plans as the offseason progresses.

On the field, the Saints have showcased a selection of veteran players in a video and photo gallery from the recent workout, featuring notable names like defensive ends Cameron Jordan and Chase Young, linebacker Demario Davis, and offensive lineman Erik McCoy. However, Carr, along with key players such as running back Alvin Kamara, safety Tyrann Mathieu, and tight ends Taysom Hill and Foster Moreauwho are all managing their own injury challengeswere notably absent from these highlights. Carr's silence concerning his absence was curious, especially considering he opted to post a car review on his Instagram account on the same day.

If Carr is forced to miss any games this season, the Saints currently have three healthy quarterbacks on the roster: Spencer Rattler, Jake Haener, and Ben DiNucci. Rattler had experience starting six games for the Saints last year while Carr battled injuries but concluded the season with a dismal 0-7 record alongside Haener under the previous coaching regime. With Moore now at the helm, it is expected that the coaching staff will bring fresh perspectives and strategies to the quarterback position.

The Saints are also faced with a crucial decision as they hold the ninth pick in the upcoming draft and find themselves with $27 million in available cap space. Despite this financial flexibility, the pool of available veteran quarterbacks is dwindling. Should the Saints decide to look outside their current roster, several intriguing options remain on the market, as well as potential prospects who could emerge during the draft.

Among the most discussed names is Aaron Rodgers, the seasoned 41-year-old quarterback, who has yet to make a definitive decision about his playing future. During a recent appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show," Rodgers acknowledged discussions with teams in need of a quarterback, including the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, and Pittsburgh Steelers. However, he did not confirm whether the Saints were among the teams he has engaged with.

Rodgers brings two decades of starting experience and a Super Bowl championship with him, but any potential move would require careful financial planning from the Saints. They would need to accommodate both Rodgers and Carr in their salary cap, complicating the decision-making process. Interestingly, Rodgers has indicated that he is willing to play for a reduced salary of $10 million without demanding a long-term commitment.

Other free agent choices include Tyler Huntley, who started five games for the Miami Dolphins last season, and Teddy Bridgewater, a former Saints quarterback who has returned from retirement to sign with the Detroit Lions. Despite his recent retirement, Bridgewater's familiarity with the Saints could make him a compelling option if Carr's situation worsens. Carson Wentz is another name to consider, although he has not been a primary starting quarterback since his time with the Indianapolis Colts.

Looking toward the draft, Shedeur Sanders is a highly touted prospect after a stellar season at Colorado, where he shattered records with 4,134 passing yards and 37 touchdowns. Despite the buzz around him, ESPN's Adam Schefter expressed doubt about Sanders landing with the Saints, suggesting that his draft range may not align with New Orleans ninth pick. Other quarterbacks like Jaxson Dart and Tyler Shough are also in the mix, with the Saints' recent draft history indicating they may be keeping a close eye on players with Senior Bowl experience.