In a move that’s shaking up the Saints‘ quarterback legacy, New Orleans is poised to break a 54-year-old tradition—and at the center of it all is Shedeur Sanders. Remember the viral visual from the high school game when he pulled Shedeur Sanders aside for getting emotional while playing? That’s a thumb rule of the game. You can’t allow emotions when you are executing your strategies. Now he is ready for the next move. But the question is, what’s his connection with the Saints?
The New Orleans Saints were happy with their quarterback, Derek Carr. But things changed when he injured his shoulder. He might go under the knife, ending his chances of playing this year. His 2025 status is up in the year. And the team is forced to draft a quarterback. Enter Shedeur Sanders, most analysts’ preferred choice as the 9th pick in the first round for the Saints.
While talking about the franchise and the college player on the April 17 episode of ESPN’s Get Up show, Mel Kiper Jr. said, “Shedeur Sanders in a dome — Atlanta’s also a dome — and you got Carolina, Tampa Bay. I would say why not Shedeur? It would be a perfect fit in New Orleans. But I think when you look at where we are right now with Shedeur, he’s the fifth-best player on my board.” But, will he land in New Orleans?
.@MelKiperESPN believes Shedeur Sanders and the Saints would be a “perfect fit”
Where do you see him landing? pic.twitter.com/SZu05APqum
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) April 17, 2025
Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award winner will be happy with this projection. He is being predicted to be a much later draftee for the Steelers, who choose 21st. However, there can be twists as well. The NY Giants have already declared their openness to trade up and down. So, the Saints could have to make some adjustments.
Moreover, can they leave their history behind? Traditionally, the Saints don’t go for signal callers in the draft.
Shedeur Sanders set to create history at the Saints
In the NFL combine, when the reporters grilled the Colorado QB, he answered, “If you ain’t trying to change the franchise or the culture — don’t get me.” And the way things are changing before the draft, he might change the franchise history just by getting drafted.
The NO Saints have not used a first or second-round pick to draft a quarterback in the NFL draft since 1971, when they selected Archie Manning. It’s truly unbelievable. But it also shows their mindset. They believe more in a tried and tested product than drafting and then developing the player.
He is already a hot property. The Colorado Buffaloes have decided to retire the numbers of QB Shedeur Sanders (2) and WR/CB Travis Hunter (12). The message is clear. They are once-in-a-lifetime talents. Do the NO Saints also think the same? It’s complicated.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter talked to many insiders about the projection. He had an uncertain stance as he said, “When you talk to people around the league, I don’t think they believe the Saints are taking Shedeur Sanders.” Well, things will heat up as we get closer. One phone call can change the destiny of a player and franchise. Remember that!
The post Derek Carr’s Absence to Make Way for Shedeur Sanders as Saints Break 54-Year Old Tradition for QB appeared first on EssentiallySports.
