The Saints may have a motive to begin calling the Browns about a veteran QB.
Earlier this offseason, the Cleveland Browns were rumored as potential suitors for Derek Carr if he were to become available via a trade. The veteran QB has now decided to retire from the league, weeks after reports of dealing with a shoulder injury that could impact his availability for this season.
With Carr deciding to retire, the depth chart of the New Orleans Saints is left at the top, with two young quarterbacks, Spencer Rattler and rookie Tyler Shough. The Saints drafted Shough with the 40th pick in the draft, and he was expected to compete for the starting job early.
Kellen Moore, the Saints’ new head coach, may want to add a veteran presence to the QB room. The Browns have a crowded situation at the position after drafting Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.
Kellen Moore on Derek Carr’s retirement: #Saints pic.twitter.com/nRbYHri5hL
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) May 10, 2025
Joe Flacco or Kenny Pickett becoming available at some point before the season is a real possibility, as it will be unlikely that Cleveland would keep all four on the initial 53-man roster. Connecting Pickett to the Saints would also make sense, as he played for Moore last season in Philadelphia.
This would all be dependent on the Browns’ level of comfort with the two rookies, and it’s too early to consider any such move yet. If a move is made, it would likely come later during training camp.
Recouping the draft pick the Browns spent to acquire Pickett would be ideal, but having more reps to give to Sanders or Gabriel to get ready would be the biggest benefit. If the Saints aren’t thrilled with Shough’s development over the coming weeks, watch for them to start calling Andrew Berry in Cleveland.
What do you think? Are the Saints now a potential suitor to acquire Pickett or Flacco? Would you be comfortable if the Browns moved either before camp? Let us know in the comments below.