The New Orleans Saints have many different moves they could make this offseason. With potential trade assets that should be moved on from on the roster, money to spend in free agency, and a good amount of draft assets, it’s going to be a busy offseason. Although most of the focus is on free agency and the draft, largely because of roster upgrades needed, the trade market could be another area that sets the Saints up really well.
Throughout the league, many teams need new starting QBs for 2026, but there is one massive issue: options are limited. In free agency, with Mac Jones expected to return to the San Francisco 49ers, the only two decent QBs available are Daniel Jones and Malik Willis. For Jones, it would be a surprise if the Indianapolis Colts do not bring him back. Yes, he just tore his Achilles, and throughout his career has not had the best consistency, but the Colts have been QB hungry since Andrew Luck retired in 2019.
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Willis is a bit more interesting. He could easily go back to the Green Bay Packers and continue to develop, or a team out there will give him a great contract to become a starter again in this league. During his short time playing, when Jordan Love was injured, Willis looked much better than he did on the Tennessee Titans. He should have suitors in free agency.
So, if Jones returns to the Colts, which is likely, Willis will be the only valued QB on the free agency market.
For the draft, there’s only one QB who can start right away, and that’s Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, but he will be the #1 pick. This is not a good QB draft class, so that’s another area with very limited options.
This leaves the trade market, and again, options are not great, which is amazing news for the Saints.
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Currently, Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray and Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa are the top options in the trade market. These two QBs may have some interest, but not a crazy amount. This leaves the Saints QBs.
Last week, it was revealed that Derek Carr may be coming back to the NFL to start again. Although his time in New Orleans did not end well, he is a top 20-15 QB returning to the NFL, and needy teams will be interested. With his contract, age, injuries, and time with the Saints, the price won’t be high, but a fourth-round pick could be in play.
The Saints also have backup Spencer Rattler, who, although he did not secure the starting spot in New Orleans, has potential that teams may love. He has the arm, athleticism, and playmaking ability that the current NFL requires. The Saints could get a fourth-round pick here as well.