New Orleans Saints Face a Rebuild After a Disappointing 2025 Season
The New Orleans Saints enter the 2025 NFL offseason grappling with a bleak outlook following a tumultuous season. Despite opening the year with high hopes after a 9-8 finish in 2023, the Saints’ campaign quickly unraveled. Early victories over the Carolina Panthers and Dallas Cowboys provided a glimmer of optimism, but it soon became clear that the team’s problems ran deeper. A disastrous seven-game losing streak, combined with the struggles of veteran quarterback Derek Carr and the eventual firing of head coach Dennis Allen, left the franchise reeling.
Derek Carr’s Struggles and Injury-Plagued Season
At the heart of the Saints’ woes was the performance—and availability—of 33-year-old quarterback Derek Carr. Signed to a four-year, $150 million deal with a hefty $37.5 million annual salary, Carr failed to live up to expectations. Limited by injuries, including an oblique strain, a broken hand, and a concussion suffered in Week 14, Carr managed to play only 10 games—his fewest in any season during his 11-year NFL career.
In his absence, sixth-round 2024 draft pick Spencer Rattler and 2023 fourth-rounder Jake Haener filled in but were unable to secure a single win. Former Oklahoma and South Carolina standout Rattler shouldered most of the workload, but his inexperience was evident, leaving the Saints’ offense stagnant.
Darren Rizzi’s Interim Stint Offers Brief Hope
Following Allen’s dismissal, special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi took over as interim head coach. His leadership sparked a brief resurgence, with back-to-back wins against the Atlanta Falcons and Cleveland Browns. However, the momentum was short-lived, as the Saints dropped five of their last six games, including a season-ending four-game losing streak. The team finished with a dismal record and no clear direction heading into the offseason.
Salary Cap Woes and Potential Carr Exit
The Saints are now staring down a daunting $52.3 million salary cap deficit. One of their most pressing decisions will be what to do with Carr. Cutting him before June 1 would provide little relief, saddling the franchise with over $50 million in dead money. However, trading him after June 1 would reduce that figure to $11.5 million, offering much-needed cap space to retool the roster.
Carr’s unwillingness to take a pay cut further complicates matters. As he enters the final guaranteed year of his contract, the Saints may opt to move on from the veteran quarterback and look to younger, more affordable options.
Quarterback Options for the Saints
With Carr’s future uncertain, the Saints must address the quarterback position. While Rattler remains a potential option, his struggles in 2024 leave doubts about his ability to lead the team. A more intriguing possibility comes from outside the organization: New England Patriots backup quarterback Joe Milton III.
Milton, a 24-year-old with immense physical talent, has drawn attention despite limited NFL experience. He played only one game in his rookie season but impressed by completing 75.9% of his passes in a win over the Buffalo Bills. Known for his cannon-like arm, Milton has demonstrated the ability to make jaw-dropping throws, including an 80-yard pass at Peyton Manning’s Passing Academy and a 62-mph bullet into the end zone against Buffalo—the second-fastest pass ever recorded in the NFL.
Milton’s College Pedigree
Before entering the NFL, Milton showcased his skills at the University of Tennessee. In his final collegiate season, he completed 64.7% of his passes for 2,813 yards and 20 touchdowns while adding seven rushing scores. He capped off his college career by earning MVP honors in Tennessee’s Orange Bowl victory over Clemson, throwing for 251 yards and three touchdowns.
Milton’s blend of size (6’5”, 247 pounds), arm strength, and mobility makes him a tantalizing prospect. And for the cash-strapped Saints, his rookie contract—worth just $4.2 million over four years—offers an affordable solution. If the Saints were to acquire Milton, they could pair him with Rattler, creating a young, cost-controlled quarterback competition that provides flexibility for the team to allocate resources elsewhere.
Milton vs. Rattler: A Potential QB Battle
Analysts have suggested that Milton’s arrival in New Orleans could signal a shift in the team’s quarterback strategy. According to Last Word on Sports analyst Anthony Palacios:
“Carr already said he won’t be taking a pay cut, and since he’s entering his final year in his contract, [the Saints] might as well settle for the arm that Milton has. Rattler had his chance, but if Carr doesn’t produce, they could run Rattler and Milton for the starting job next.”
This scenario would give the Saints a fresh start at quarterback while allowing them to build around young talent. Milton’s raw potential, combined with Rattler’s experience in the system, could provide the foundation for a more dynamic offense.
Saints Face a Rebuild on Multiple Fronts
The Saints’ offseason challenges extend beyond the quarterback position. With a new head coach yet to be named, the organization must also address significant holes across the roster. The team’s salary cap situation will require difficult decisions, including potential roster cuts and restructuring of existing contracts.
The Saints’ once-formidable defense showed signs of decline in 2024, and key players may need to be replaced. Meanwhile, the offensive line requires reinforcements to protect whoever lines up under center. Special teams, one of the few bright spots under Rizzi, will also need attention to maintain their performance level.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 offseason marks a pivotal moment for the New Orleans Saints. After a season defined by inconsistency, injuries, and unmet expectations, the franchise faces a crossroads. Moving on from Carr and embracing a rebuild could set the stage for a brighter future, but success will depend on shrewd decision-making in the months ahead.
Whether it’s through a trade for Milton, a leap of faith with Rattler, or another surprise move, the Saints must address their quarterback situation decisively. With a new coach, a revamped roster, and a clear plan, the team can begin to chart a course back to competitiveness in the NFC South. For now, however, uncertainty looms as the Saints prepare to navigate a challenging offseason.
