Derek Carr’s Injury Woes: How His Shoulder Surgery Could Impact Your 2025 Fantasy Football Draft

The New Orleans Saints’ 2024 season was a rollercoaster, finishing with a disappointing 9-8 record and missing the playoffs. Quarterback Derek Carr, brought in to stabilize the offense, played in just 10 games, throwing for 2,145 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. Now, as fantasy football enthusiasts gear up for the 2025 season, a significant question mark hangs over Carr’s head: a potential shoulder surgery that could sideline him and drastically alter the fantasy landscape.

The Carr Conundrum: Injury Concerns

According to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, Derek Carr is dealing with a shoulder injury that may require surgery, casting a shadow over his availability for the 2025 season. Carr is reportedly exploring his options. Details surrounding the injury remain scarce, but the mere possibility of surgery raises serious concerns for fantasy managers.

Carr’s 2024 season was marred by injuries, including a left oblique injury and a fractured left hand, causing him to miss seven games. While he showcased flashes of his potential when on the field, his inability to stay healthy proved detrimental to the Saints’ success and frustrating for fantasy owners.

Fantasy Football Fallout: Impact on Draft Strategy

Carr’s potential absence would undoubtedly send ripples through the fantasy football community. Here’s how his shoulder surgery could impact your 2025 fantasy football draft:

Quarterback Rankings: Carr’s ADP (Average Draft Position) will likely plummet if surgery is confirmed. He was already a borderline QB1/QB2 in many leagues, and the uncertainty surrounding his health will make him a risky pick. Fantasy managers may opt for more reliable options like Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills or Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens.
Saints’ Pass Catchers: The value of Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, and Juwan Johnson takes a hit if Carr is sidelined. The chemistry between a quarterback and his receivers is crucial for fantasy production, and a backup quarterback may struggle to replicate Carr’s connection with these players. Olave, in particular, could see a significant decrease in targets and overall production.
Alvin Kamara’s Role: With a less experienced quarterback under center, the Saints might lean more heavily on their running game, potentially boosting Alvin Kamara’s value. Kamara’s pass-catching ability out of the backfield would also make him a valuable asset in PPR (Points Per Reception) leagues.
Saints’ Draft Plans: The Saints hold the No. 9 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Carr’s injury woes could prompt them to prioritize drafting a quarterback, potentially altering the team’s offensive strategy and long-term outlook. Shedeur Sanders from Colorado has been mentioned as a possible target for the Saints.

The Backup Plan: Who Steps Up?

If Carr is unavailable, the Saints’ quarterback depth chart currently features Spencer Rattler, Jake Haener, and Ben DiNucci. Rattler, who started six games in 2024, would likely be the next man up. However, his performance was underwhelming, completing just 57% of his passes with a low touchdown rate.

The Saints could also explore free agency options to bring in a veteran presence. Ryan Tannehill, who has reportedly spoken to the Minnesota Vikings, could be a potential target.

Dynasty Leagues: A Long-Term Perspective

In dynasty leagues, where managers build rosters for the long haul, Carr’s injury raises even more significant questions. Dynasty owners may consider trading Carr if they can get decent value in return, or they might stash him on their injured reserve in the hope of a full recovery.

The Saints’ potential quarterback selection in the 2025 NFL Draft will also have a major impact on dynasty leagues. A promising rookie quarterback could become a valuable asset for years to come.

Navigating the Uncertainty: Strategies for Fantasy Managers

Given the uncertainty surrounding Carr’s situation, here are some strategies for fantasy managers to consider:

Monitor the News: Stay updated on Carr’s injury status and potential surgery. This information will be crucial in making informed decisions during your fantasy draft.
Adjust Rankings: Revise your quarterback rankings based on the latest news. If Carr’s surgery is confirmed, move him down your board and prioritize more reliable options.
Consider Contingency Plans: If you’re targeting Saints’ players, be aware of the potential impact of Carr’s absence. Have backup plans in place in case the Saints’ offense struggles with a different quarterback.
Embrace the Value of Running Backs: With quarterback uncertainty, running backs who can catch passes out of the backfield become even more valuable. Target players like Alvin Kamara who can contribute in multiple ways.
Don’t Overreact: While Carr’s injury is a concern, avoid making drastic decisions based on speculation. Wait for concrete information before making significant changes to your draft strategy.

The Saints’ Perspective: A Critical Decision

The Saints face a critical decision regarding their quarterback situation. Do they stick with Carr and hope for a full recovery, or do they invest in a quarterback in the draft?

If they opt for the latter, several intriguing prospects could be available at No. 9 overall. Shedeur Sanders, Jaxson Dart, and Jalen Milroe are among the quarterbacks who could be on the Saints’ radar.

Final Thoughts: Adapting to the Changing Landscape

Derek Carr’s shoulder injury has injected a dose of uncertainty into the 2025 fantasy football season. Fantasy managers must stay informed, adapt their strategies, and be prepared to navigate the ever-changing landscape. While Carr’s potential absence could create challenges, it also presents opportunities to find value elsewhere and build a winning fantasy team.