We’re just weeks away from the 2023 NFL draft, so it’s a good time to recap the offseason so far and take stock of the New Orleans Saints’ biggest positions of need.
And we’ll start with the most important position on offense: quarterback. Here’s the list of passers under contract for 2023, with new additions in bold:
- Derek Carr
- Jameis Winston
- Jake Luton
The Saints rostered just two quarterbacks a year ago in Winston and Andy Dalton, who left on a free agent contract with the division-rival Carolina Panthers. Luton joined the practice squad during the season and hung around to return on a reserve/future deal.
But could they add another arm? Maybe so, if the value is right. The Saints have met with several quarterback prospects in this year’s draft: Florida’s Anthony Richardson (projected to be a top-10 pick), Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker (a likely top-100 selection), and mid-rounders like Houston’s Clayton Tune and Incarnate Word’s Lindsey Scott Jr. Assistant coaches Ronald Curry and D.J. Williams spent a week working with Malik Cunningham (Louisville), Jake Haener (Fresno State), and Jaren Hall (Brigham Young) at the Senior Bowl, too.
There’s some logic in drafting another quarterback. Winston is playing on a one-year deal and could be traded to a desperate team if an unexpected injury strikes. Carr’s contract was written with an off-ramp in 2025, so developing a possible Plan B could prove to be a wise investment. It just shouldn’t override heavier concerns like the defensive line and offensive depth.
So if a prospect like Hooker or Haener is available after the Saints have already picked some immediate contributors in the first round or two, it’s an easy move to understand. Bypassing those other priorities to spend a luxury pick on a quarterback the team hopes they don’t have to play in his rookie year would be a hard sell. But if nothing else, general manager Mickey Loomis and his front office are sure to take an unconventional approach to the NFL draft and zig when others would zag.
