New Orleans Saints
It doesn’t sound like Derek Carr will be sticking around in New Orleans. There are a plethora of options for him in 2025 regarding trades, but more importantly, the Saints will have someone new. After signing Kellen Moore as their head coach, I am liking the idea of New Orleans signing free agent, Cooper Rush. He has had experience under Kellen Moore, but he’s a capable starting quarterback. I predict the Saints will at least draft someone in a later round to have competition with Spencer Rattler—if he’s not traded as well.
The New Orleans Saints currently hold the No. 9 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. After a failure with Derek Carr and a couple seasons of bridge quarterbacks, it’s time for the Saints to get a younger mind for an offensive minded head coach, Kellen Moore. In my 2025 NFL Mock Draft, I have the Saints trading up for quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Sanders is a quick on his feet gunslinger who can bring the city of New Orleans something to look forward to. Sanders to Olave will be an instant threat to the NFL, and Saints fans might not have to wait much longer to reach the Super Bowl after hosting this past season’s.
Kirk Cousins is likely available as the Falcons plan to cut him, so signing Cousins to a 1-year deal in New Orleans could make Atlanta feel some pain. Kirk Cousins is a viable option as starting quarterback given he still has some juice left in the tank. If you could trade with Carolina and get Adam Theilen to reunite with Kirk, then you may have something here.
There’s also Sam Darnold available, although the Vikings may end up re-signing him. I’m going to package Zach Wilson, Jacoby Brissett, and Jameis Winston together. The Saints could bring back Jameis Winston who did pretty well down there. Zach Wilson is looking to revive his dying career. Jacoby Brissett—who some say may end up as a permanent backup—wouldn’t be a bad fit either.
My prediction:
Saints sign Shedeur Sanders or other QB in draft; Cooper Rush as backup.
Atlanta Falcons
It’s no secret that Kirk Cousins will be released. The incoming success of Michael Penix Jr. is here and here to stay. His dominance will be met quickly, and Atlanta’s potential of making it back to the big game is more clearer than ever.
Atlanta will need a backup just like any other team. I don’t imagine them trading for a backup, but instead just signing someone on a short term deal. There are many options that can fit under Raheem Morris. I think bringing in Carson Wentz, who has worked with offensive coordinator Zac Robinson makes a lot of sense. If not, there are options out there like Mason Rudolph, Taylor Heinicke, or Josh Dobbs.
My prediction:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Baker Mayfield has had an impressive turnaround in his career with Tampa Bay. He seems eager to stay in Florida while the entire team surrounds his choice. I don’t believe he will be traded, but it is not out of the question. His performance in the postseason could be better. If you want to do what Tom Brady did, first you have to be named Tom Brady, and second, you have to win football games. The success of Baker is enough for me to say he stays. If Tampa Bay wants to move on from Chris Godwin, then they will need an equally good receiver or a player that is capable of making better plays.
Kyle Trask is a decent backup choice, but something tells me they will have another more mobile quarterback option probably from the draft or free agency.
My prediction:
Carolina Panthers
Will Carolina trade Bryce Young? After an abysmal season, Bryce Young’s future looks bleak. Fans aren’t too happy with his performance, and management seems to agree as he was almost dealt before the deadline last season to Miami in place of an injured Tua. Now, Bryce Young is also in a rough situation down there. As we know, Sam Darnold was in Carolina and looked to be finishing his career as a backup. Then a year later, he stepped in for an injured J.J. McCarthy led the Vikings to a 14-3 season. His stats were loaded in the first half, but quickly fell off towards the end of the season. There is a scenario in my book where Bryce Young is traded. His record is 6-24 in Carolina; nothing to be happy about. I believe teams that are interested would need another quarterback in their rotation to compete.
Currently, the Panthers are projected to keep Bryce Young another season and fill him with tools. Resigning Andy Dalton as his mentor would be important for his career going forward. There are many trade possibilities for the Panthers, and I think there could be a possibility where the Panthers make a move on a tempting deal. However, Carolina is not in a "win now" phase, and retooling their offense around Bryce Young seems fair. In fact, even if Bryce Young fails again, their offense will be young & quick for the next quarterback they draft in 2026; or someone later in 2025. That's something worth mentioning as well. Carolina may sign a quarterback in rounds 4-7 this NFL Draft like Will Howard, Kyle McCord, or Quinn Ewers.
My prediction: