Draft guru has Saints taking Derek Carr replacement in latest 2025 mock draft

The New Orleans Saints signed quarterback Derek Carr to a lucrative $150 million contract last offseason, and the team got a slightly above-average return on its investment in Year 1.

If the 33-year-old doesn’t regain his Pro Bowl form next season, the Saints could look to find his successor in the 2025 NFL Draft, which is exactly what ESPN’s Matt Miller believes will happen.

In his latest mock draft, Miller has the Saints taking University of Texas signal-caller Quinn Ewers with the 10th overall pick — a move he believes may be necessary given the Saints' current QB room.

“The 2024 season will be crucial for the future of starting quarterback Derek Carr in New Orleans and perhaps provide a window into what the team has in rookie fifth-rounder Spencer Rattler,” Miller wrote . “At this time, it doesn't appear that either quarterback is the future here. Ewers has talent worthy of a first-overall pick heading into his third season as a starter at Texas. At 21 years old, he has to cut down on poor decisions during games, but his accuracy, mobility and arm strength are that of a future NFL starter. Ewers threw for 3,479 yards and 22 touchdown passes last season.”

Ewers is 16-6 as the Longhorns starter, and he came into his own last year. He led UT to a 10-2 record and a 37-31 loss to Washington in the College Football Playoff.

In two seasons, Ewers has thrown for 5,656 yards, 37 touchdowns and 12 interceptions with a completion percentage of 64.3. He’s projected as a mid-first-round pick right now, but another run to the CFP could help raise his draft stock.

Carr threw for 3,878 yards, 25 touchdowns and eight interceptions in his first season with the Saints. He ranked fourth in completion percentage (68.4), eighth in passer rating (97.7), 10th in touchdown passes, 13th in passing yards and 17th in passing yards per game (228.1).

Though Carr has thrown for a lot of yards (39,100) and touchdowns (242) over his career, he has a 45.2 win percentage (72-87 record) as a starter. With another 9-8 or worse season in 2024, the Saints could start looking for his successor.