ESPN reports that, Following Derek Carr’s retirement, the Saints have identified colorado buffaloes quarterback shedeur sanders as possible trade target.

ESPN reports that, Following Derek Carr’s retirement, the Saints have identified colorado buffaloes quarterback shedeur sanders as possible trade target.

ESPN reports that, in the wake of quarterback Derek Carr’s sudden retirement, the New Orleans Saints have begun casting a wide net in search of a successor. Among the various options under consideration—from veteran free agents to opportunistic draft-day maneuvers—one name has repeatedly surfaced: Colorado Buffaloes star Shedeur Sanders, projected by some to be available and attractive enough to warrant a trade effort ([The Phinsider][1]).

Carr’s departure was announced on May 10, 2025, after the quarterback elected to step away from the game due to a significant shoulder injury, including a labral tear and extensive rotator cuff degeneration ([The Phinsider][1]). His decision not only forfeited approximately \$30 million in potential salary but also left New Orleans with a sudden void at the most important position on the roster. In response, the Saints appear willing to explore all avenues—including potentially trading for a young passer—rather than rely solely on their already-drafted rookie, Tyler Shough.

Why Shedeur Sanders?

Sanders, the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, completed a standout collegiate career at Colorado, leading the FBS in completion percentage (74%) and ranking third-lowest in off-target rate (6.5%) during his final season ([ESPN.com][2]). His combination of accuracy, poise under pressure, and sharp decision-making has impressed NFL evaluators, even as concerns linger over his lack of prototypical arm strength and his propensity to take sacks behind a porous Buffaloes offensive line ([ESPN.com][2]).

Despite these questions, several draft analysts have pegged Sanders as a fit for the Saints’ offensive scheme under new head coach Kellen Moore, praising his ability to process complex defenses and make quick reads in the pocket. ESPN insiders Mel Kiper Jr. and Field Yates went so far as to project New Orleans selecting Sanders with their ninth overall pick in their most recent mock draft ([Canal Street Chronicles][3]). That projection underscores the perception that Sanders could still be on the board at No. 9 and that the Saints view him as capable of stepping into a pro-style offense.

Betting Markets and Draft Buzz

The notion of New Orleans targeting Sanders is further supported by betting-market data. According to DraftKings and FanDuel, the Saints are the favorites to select Sanders, posting odds of +300 even though they hold the ninth pick ([NBC Sports][4]). Behind New Orleans in the betting lines are the New York Giants (+350) and Cleveland Browns (+425), indicating league-wide acknowledgement of the Saints’ potential interest in the Colorado signal-caller.

Meanwhile, mock drafts present a range of scenarios. Pro Football Focus’s latest simulation also slots Sanders landing with the Saints at No. 9, emphasizing his technical proficiency and leadership traits as aligning with Moore’s system ([PFF][5]). Even Bleacher Report has listed New Orleans among the “wild-card teams” that could emerge as key players in the Sanders sweepstakes, thanks to their urgent need for a franchise quarterback ([Bleacher Report][6]).

The Trade Question

Given that Sanders remains a college player until officially drafted, any Saints acquisition of him via trade would first require moving up in the draft order. A recent Big Blue View analysis posed the hypothetical of New York Giants trading up from pick No. 34 for Sanders, but similar scenarios could apply to the Saints. ESPN’s Draft Predictor assigns a 25% chance that Sanders will fall to No. 9, which some in New Orleans believe justifies packaging future picks to secure him ﹘ even if that means dealing away assets in later rounds or future drafts ([Big Blue View][7]).

Inside sources suggest that the Saints’ front office is weighing multiple trade packages, balancing the cost of moving up against the comparative value of available veteran backups and rookie developmental arms. The choice, they say, comes down to whether the franchise views Sanders as a long-term answer or as too much of a risk to mortgage the team’s draft capital.

Alternatives and Long-Term Vision

While Sanders headlines the rumors, New Orleans is also evaluating veteran quarterbacks on the trade block or in free agency. Names floated include seasoned pros such as Joe Flacco, whose one-year deal with the Browns could make him expendable, and other experienced signal-callers looking for a final run at a contender ([SI][8]). The organizational belief is that pairing a veteran presence with either a rookie such as Shough or a high-upside draftee like Sanders could create a competitive quarterback room in 2025 and beyond.

For the Saints, the urgency to solidify the position is clear: without Carr, their playoff window narrows, and owner Gayle Benson’s expectations of sustained contention place a priority on immediate—but also sustainable—solutions. Whether that solution is Shedeur Sanders, another rookie pick, or a proven veteran, the coming weeks promise to be among the most consequential offseason decisions in New Orleans franchise history.