The Cleveland Browns’ decision to stockpile quarterbacks this offseason could soon pay dividends – not on the field, but on the trade market.
While most NFL teams are still evaluating their quarterback depth in early offseason workouts, the New Orleans Saints are suddenly scrambling for answers.
Just a week ago, veteran quarterback Derek Carr announced his surprise retirement at age 34, leaving New Orleans without a proven starter on their QB depth chart.
“Upon reflection of prayer, and in discussion with Heather, I’ve decided to retire from the National Football League,” Carr wrote in an emotional statement. “For more than 11 years, we have been incredibly blessed, and we are forever grateful and humbled by this experience.
“It’s difficult to find the right words to express our thanks to all the teammates, coaches, management, ownership, team officials and especially the fans who made this journey so special. Your unwavering support has meant the world to us.”
With Carr stepping away from the game, the Saints are left with a three-man competition between rookie Tyler Shough, second-year signal-caller Spencer Rattler, and Jake Haener.
What the group lacks, however, is an experienced NFL veteran to help stabilize the room or serve as a bridge if needed.
That’s where Cleveland may come into play…
The Browns not only signed former Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco to a one-year deal this offseason, but also acquired Kenny Pickett from the Philadelphia Eagles in a low-cost trade.
With both quarterbacks set to make around $3 million this season and Cleveland drafting rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel in April, it’s unlikely all four QBs will survive final roster cuts. (No need to even mention Deshaun Watson.)
According to Damon Wolfe of SB Nation, a trade feels inevitable.
“Joe Flacco or Kenny Pickett becoming available at some point before the season is a real possibility, as it will be unlikely that Cleveland would keep all four on the initial 53-man roster,” Wolfe stated.
“Connecting Pickett to the Saints would also make sense, as he played for [head coach Kellen] Moore last season in Philadelphia.”
Pickett, a former first-round pick, struggled with consistency in Pittsburgh but brings starting experience and familiarity with Moore’s offensive system.
Flacco, on the other hand, showed flashes of vintage form during a brief 2023 run with the Browns, helping Cleveland reach the playoffs.
While it’s unclear whether the Saints would prioritize Pickett’s potential or Flacco’s veteran leadership, the situation in New Orleans has created an ideal trade scenario.
The Browns, meanwhile, may be able to flip one of their surplus quarterbacks into additional draft capital or roster depth elsewhere.
While it’s fair to speculate that the Saints could make a run at one of the two Super Bowl winning quarterback (yes, Pickett hoisted the Lombardi with the Eagles last season), it should also be pointed out that some Saints fans are in favor of tanking the 2025 season in order to draft native son Arch Manning.
Of course, it’s no guarantee that Manning even enters next year’s draft, but if it’s the Saints who own the No. 1 pick, anything is possible.
Regardless, what are your thoughts on the speculation that New Orleans could potentially trade for either Pickett or Flacco???
