New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr is reportedly dealing with a shoulder injury that could potentially threaten his availability for the 2025 season, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
That creates a situation where the Saints could be more desperate than ever to get a quarterback. They currently own the No. 9 overall pick of the 2025 NFL draft, and if Colorado's Shedeur Sanders isn't a top-three pick, it wouldn't be a surprise if they start eyeing a possible trade with the New England Patriots to move up to No. 4 on the draft board to get him.
Make no mistake, the Patriots are not locked into the No. 4 pick, especially if wideout Travis Hunter or edge rusher Abdul Carter aren't available. They could create more value for a rebuild by maneuvering down the board and stockpiling more draft picks.
The Saints would likely be forced to give up the No. 9 overall pick, No. 40 pick and perhaps a 2026 pick to make it a worthwhile deal for New England.
A move like that would still put the Patriots within reach of a top offensive tackle or receiver. They'd also have more draft picks to use in a potential trade-up scenario to double-dip at key positions in the first round. An argument could be made that it would be the best-case scenario move for the Patriots if they fail to land Hunter or Carter.
We teased a similar scenario in a previous 2025 NFL mock draft. With Carr's reported injury, that scenario isn't nearly as far-fetched as it initially seemed.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Latest Derek Carr, Saints news could impact Patriots
