The New Orleans Saints entered the offseason with a glaring need at the quarterback position. They wasted no time in filling that void, agreeing to a monster four-year, $150 million deal with Derek Carr that includes $100 million in guarantees.
New Orleans has been on the lookout for a long-term option at quarterback since Drew Brees retired. They now have that in Carr, with Jameis Winston returning to be his backup at the position.
Carr just turned 32 a few days ago, so he should be the starter for a few years, bringing some much-needed continuity to the team. But, the team certainly is keeping its options open and doing its due diligence when it comes to the future of the franchise.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Saints are set to have a meeting with Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker this week. Hooker is flying to New Orleans to meet with the team, who has the No. 29 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Coming off of a torn ACL, Hooker’s draft range varies depending on who you talk to.
It makes sense for the Saints to explore potentially using their first-round pick on Hooker. Getting that fifth-year option is key for teams, as it gives them one more season of control over a player before an extension, usually for big money, kicks in and begins.
Hooker was as productive as any quarterback during the 2022 season before his injury. He completed 69.6 percent of his passes for 3,135 yards, 27 touchdowns and only two interceptions in the Volunteers’ fast-paced, high-octane attack. That followed up a productive 2021 season in which he completed 68 percent of his passes for 2,945 yards, 31 touchdowns and only three interceptions.
New Orleans would be an ideal landing spot for Hooker as there would be zero pressure on him to step into the lineup as a rookie. Carr is locked in as the starter and Winston is a more than capable backup.
Hooker can spend the entire season rehabbing and developing behind the two veterans before moving up the depth chart in 2024 potentially as the backup. By 2025, Hooker should be ready to step into the starting lineup should the Saints be ready to move on from Carr, who has no guaranteed money on his deal beyond 2024.
