Five QB options for Saints after Derek Carr's retirement

The New Orleans Saints will officially have a new starting quarterback in 2025 after Derek Carr stunned the NFL world on Saturday by announcing his retirement. However, it is unclear who that quarterback will be.

Here are five options that would make sense as the Saints' starting quarterback in Week 1:

Tyler Shough

The most obvious replacement for Carr is already on the roster. The Saints selected Shough with the 40th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. New Orleans was high enough on Shough to draft him ahead of Jalen Milroe, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, to name a few.

New Saints head coach Kellen Moore is a former quarterback who has made a name for himself as an offensive play-caller. He may want to start developing Shough right away, even if the rookie will undoubtedly experience some growing pains.

Jameis Winston

Winston signed a two-year, $8M contract with the New York Giants this offseason, loaded with performance-based incentives. While he is technically second on the depth chart behind Russell Wilson, his path to playing time is complicated. The Giants traded up to draft Jaxson Dart in the first round and are incredibly high on the former Ole Miss star, making Winston the odd man out.

Winston played for the Saints for four seasons from 2020 to 2024 and went 6-4 as a starter. If he were to be released or become available via trade, there would be plenty of familiarity between the two sides.

Ryan Tannehill

After spending the last five years with the Tennessee Titans, Tannehill did not play last season, but he is still looking for a new team. The 36-year-old reportedly drew interest from a contender earlier this offseason.

Tannehill, who made the Pro Bowl in 2019, has said he will only sign with a team if the opportunity makes sense. If the Saints want Shough to spend time on the bench, Tannehill might be an intriguing option.

Taylor Heinicke

Heinicke signed with the Los Angeles Chargers this offseason to back up Justin Herbert, but he probably would not cost much in a trade. If the Saints are looking for experience, Heinicke has plenty of it.

The 32-year-old started 29 games during his NFL career, most with Washington. He has passed for 6,663 yards, 39 touchdowns and 28 interceptions. Heinicke also has 608 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground in his career.

Aaron Rodgers

Ah, yes, the big one. The Pittsburgh Steelers allegedly hope to sign Rodgers, but the four-time NFL MVP remains a free agent. Some believe the two sides have a handshake agreement in place, but a report this week cast serious doubt on that.

The Saints should call Rodgers, who may not be sold on playing in Pittsburgh. Though New Orleans is not a legitimate contender, playing for a former quarterback like Moore might interest Rodgers.