The Saints are suddenly facing a potential quarterback crisis.
Derek Carr is dealing with a shoulder injury that puts his availability for next season at risk, according to NFL Network.
He is weighing the possibility of having surgery, the report added.
It’s unclear how or when the injury happened.
Carr, 34, is entering the third year of the four-year, $150 million contract he signed with New Orleans in 2023.
He only played 10 games last year due to oblique and hand injuries, and backup Spencer Rattler struggled mightily filling in.
The Saints went 0-6 in his six starts, and he finished the year with a lowly 57 percent completion percentage, 1,317 yards, four touchdowns and five interceptions.
New Orleans also fired head coach Dennis Allen midseason.
Carr’s status for next season was previously uncertain after the Saints hired Kellen Moore as their new head coach, which prompted rumors he might want to move on from the veteran.
But the Saints subsequently restructured Carr’s contract, converting most of his salary into a signing bonus in a move that effectively locked him in for next season.
He’s recorded a 14-13 record across two years for the Saints.
In the 10 games he played last year, Carr completed 67.7 percent of his pᴀsses for 2,145 yards, 15 touchdowns and five interceptions.
And few veteran options are remaining on the open market with Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston singing with the Giants, Joe Flacco going to the Browns and Aaron Rodgers likely headed to the Steelers.
The Saints own the No. 9 pick in the draft, meaning Shedeur Sanders could be in play if he is not taken before them.
Along with Rattler, they still have Jake Haener and Ben DiNucci on the roster.
