A New Era Begins: Saints Enter Rebuilding Season After Derek Carr’s Retirement
By The Bayou Insider Staff
The New Orleans Saints are entering a season unlike any in recent memory. With the surprise retirement of veteran quarterback Derek Carr, a new chapter begins—one filled with more questions than answers. Once considered a team on the cusp of a playoff return, the Saints now find themselves in unfamiliar waters, facing a rebuild without a proven leader under center.
The emotional weight of Carr’s departure can’t be understated. For many fans, he represented the bridge between the Drew Brees era and whatever came next. Now, that bridge has collapsed, and the team is tasked with rebuilding its identity from the ground up.
This isn’t just a quarterback change. It’s a culture reset. And with a tough schedule and a young, untested roster, 2025 is shaping up to be a year of transition, soul-searching, and—for the right players—opportunity.
Derek Carr’s Retirement: The End of a Short-Lived Era
Derek Carr’s decision to retire came as a shock to many inside and outside the organization. After battling shoulder injuries throughout the 2024 season, the 33-year-old quarterback made the difficult choice to step away from football.
Carr released a statement citing his health and his desire to be present for his family as motivating factors. “My body is telling me it’s time,” he said. “I’ve given everything I have to this game—and I’m at peace.”
His two-year tenure in New Orleans was turbulent. After signing a four-year, $150 million deal in 2023, Carr showed early flashes of success but was often sidelined by nagging injuries and offensive inconsistency. Despite finishing with 26 touchdowns in his final season, the team missed the playoffs, and fan frustration was growing.
Reactions have been mixed. Teammates praised Carr’s leadership and toughness, while fans expressed disappointment in what many hoped would be a second coming of stability. His exit leaves a leadership vacuum in the locker room and raises serious questions about the Saints’ short- and long-term vision.
Quarterback Chaos: The Battle for QB1
With Carr gone, the Saints are staring down one of the most wide-open quarterback battles in franchise history—perhaps since the early 2000s. Four candidates will enter training camp vying for the starting job, and none come without questions.
Hunter Dekkers brings a unique blend of upside and controversy. The undrafted rookie out of Iowa State was once considered a promising college quarterback before being suspended for his role in an illegal sports betting scandal that violated NCAA rules. Though raw, he has the size, arm strength, and chip on his shoulder that often fuels breakout stories. But is he ready for the NFL spotlight—and the scrutiny that comes with it?
Tyler Shough is the most physically gifted of the group, a strong-armed passer with prototypical size. But durability has haunted him. From Oregon to Texas Tech, Shough’s career has been derailed by a series of injuries. If he can stay healthy, he has the tools to push for the job.
Spencer Rattler, once a Heisman hopeful and Netflix documentary star, is perhaps the most recognizable name. After flaming out at Oklahoma and rebuilding his career at South Carolina, Rattler enters the NFL with improved maturity and mechanics. But questions remain about his consistency and leadership.
Jake Haener returns for his second season with the team, having spent 2024 as Carr’s backup and practice squad contributor. Though less flashy, Haener’s experience within the system could give him a leg up early on. Coaches have praised his poise and preparation behind the scenes.
Head Coach Dennis Allen addressed the media following Carr’s retirement, saying, “This is going to be a true competition. Nothing is handed out. We’ll find the right guy for the job.”
For Saints fans, it’s a throwback to the pre-Brees days—a reminder that stability at quarterback is never guaranteed.
2025 Schedule: A Quiet National Spotlight
The NFL released its 2025 regular season schedule earlier this week—and for the Saints, it was a humbling moment. Not a single primetime game was assigned to New Orleans, marking the first time since 2000 the team will play entirely outside of the league’s national spotlight.
It’s a reflection of lowered expectations from the league office and TV partners—an acknowledgment that the Saints, in their current state, are not seen as contenders or ratings draws.
Still, there are intriguing matchups on the calendar, especially at home:
Sept. 14 vs. San Francisco 49ers – A measuring stick game against a perennial NFC powerhouse.
Oct. 12 vs. New England Patriots – Two rebuilding franchises with proud histories.
Oct. 26 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – A divisional clash that always carries weight in the NFC South.
For players and coaches, the lack of spotlight could be a blessing in disguise. It allows the team to work through its growing pains with less pressure and potentially play the role of spoiler. The underdog mentality has served the Saints well in the past—can it again?
Fan Reaction and Franchise Outlook
The Saints’ fanbase is passionate and deeply invested, and reactions to this offseason have ranged from concern to cautious optimism.
On local radio and social media, fans are asking the tough questions:
Is this a soft rebuild or a full reset? Is the front office in control? And most importantly—who’s going to lead us back to relevance?
Some believe this is the perfect opportunity to find a young, hungry quarterback and build a new core. Others are calling for changes in the front office, expressing frustration with what they see as a string of missed draft picks and free-agent signings.
One thing is clear: this season will shape the direction of the franchise for years to come. General Manager Mickey Loomis and Head Coach Dennis Allen are likely coaching and managing for their jobs. A poor showing could bring sweeping changes. A surprising success, however, could silence the critics and usher in a new era of Saints football.
The future is uncertain—but there’s power in a clean slate.
A Season to Define the Future
The 2025 campaign won’t be defined by Super Bowl hopes or highlight reels—it will be defined by grit, growth, and the birth of a new identity.
This is a turning point for the New Orleans Saints. For the first time in decades, the team enters the season without a star quarterback, without national exposure, and without a clear plan fans can rally behind. But with that comes something else: opportunity.
Opportunity for a dark horse to rise.
Opportunity for the front office to reset.
Opportunity for the franchise to rediscover what it means to wear the black and gold.
Whatever happens, the Saints of 2025 will be remembered—not for where they started, but for what they became.
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Call to Action
🗣 What Do You Think, Who Dat Nation?
The Saints are entering a new era—one filled with uncertainty, opportunity, and fierce competition under center. We want to hear from you:
➡️ Who do you think should win the starting quarterback job?
➡️ Do you believe the Saints can surprise the league in 2025?
➡️ What’s your message to the front office as they rebuild?
👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments and share this article with your fellow fans.
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