Talk about a Friday news dump—the type of headline that strikes like a rogue wave, when no one is looking. On April 11, just as Saints fans were starting to relax over the weekend, the news hit them hard: Derek Carr’s shoulder might be cooked. The NFL Network’s report was as confusing as a reversed Sean Payton playbook. No information about which shoulder. No precise timeframe. Just a vaguely ominous warning that Carr’s 2025 season could be ‘threatened,’ with surgery reportedly on the table.

This wasn’t some strange OTA change. And, it wasn’t regular upkeep. The great mystery? How and when did this occur? The Saints weren’t caught off guard by the news, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, but that just raises more questions. Why has the radio been silent up to this point, if they knew? Particularly considering that Carr’s last recorded injury was a left-hand problem sustained against the Giants in Week 14. Not a peep about a shoulder then. His right throwing shoulder, by the way, already has a history. In 2023, he sprained his AC joint, but he persevered.

Now, months later, as NFL Draft week hits full paranoia levels, Saints GM Mickey just pulled a Houdini, talking for minutes while disclosing nothing at all. The Saints’ general manager was asked about Derek Carr’s shoulder injury, he said, “He does have an issue with his shoulder. We’re hoping to get a resolution and clarity on that in the near future. When we do, we’ll report back to you. Otherwise, I don’t have anything more.” In other words, your guess is as good as his. Nothing more? He just casually hit us with: Carr might be hurt, but more on that later.
That’s not an injury update; it’s a deleted scene from an NFL series episode.

In 2024, the Saints literally collapsed over the finish line rather than merely limping to it. With injuries and inconsistencies plaguing them, they stumbled to a 5-12 record that screamed ‘rebuild.’ Dennis Allen, the head coach, guided the team to a 2–7 record until the executive administration decided to end it halfway through the season. The damage was already done, but Darren Rizzi, the interim firefighter, managed to salvage a 3-5 finish. The Saints went into the offseason struggling with an indecisive quarterback, a damaged reputation, and a fan base that was searching for answers rather than stability.

But here’s the kicker — this whole shoulder situation? Apparently, it has no impact on the Saints’ draft plan. Jeremy Bergman posted: “Saints GM Mickey Loomis says the Derek Carr shoulder situation doesn’t affect their draft plans. ‘I don’t think the draft approach for us is any different than it would be in any year. We’re looking for as many good players, great players as we can find.” Right. Because a franchise quarterback potentially having a busted throwing arm definitely doesn’t change how you approach a draft stocked with QB talent.

Now, keep in mind: Derek Carr’s not some backup fighting for reps. This is a man the Saints handed $150 million, including $100 million guaranteed. That’s ‘you’re our guy’ money. That’s ‘we believe in you more than logic or evidence, money. So why is Mickey Loomis talking like Carr’s just another guy fighting for a roster spot?

Draft diversions & Loomis’ cryptic confidence

Then the big issue arose: Is the starting quarterback for the Saints in 2025 already on the roster? And Loomis? He handled it as though it were a political question. “I’m not going to answer that question because that will just lead to a bunch of speculation, whichever way I answer it.” Translation: Please cease enquiring about the smoke, even though the house is on fire.

Because this isn’t about Carr being healthy or not. It’s about the Saints being unsure of whether what they have is actually worth it all. And that’s where pick No. 9 gets spicy. Ross Jackson reported: “#Saints GM Mickey Loomis on drafting for immediate impact vs. development with the No. 9 pick: ‘I think for us, if we’re picking in the top 10, we’re looking for somebody that, man, we’re going to count on the 5–10 years, and he’s going to fill that spot.’”

Sounds like quarterback logic, no? That’s not the proper way to discuss ‘high-ceiling’ safety or a rotating guard. Still, Loomis wants us to assume everything is chill. that he is establishing in cooperation with the new HC, Kellen Moore. John Hendrix posted: “Loomis: ‘Kellen and I have talked about draft philosophy and what he wants to get accomplished in year one.’ Says they feel like they’re on the same page and aligned, calling it a ‘fantastic experience.’”

Here’s the reality behind all the PR fog: Derek Carr got rocked late last season and hasn’t looked right since. His shoulder is officially a ‘situation,’ which is NFL speak for please don’t panic, but also panic. Mickey Loomis is playing poker with the football world and hoping we don’t call his bluff.