Beyond Aaron Rodgers: New Orleans Saints Face Uphill Battle After Star QB Rumors Fizzle Out

The New Orleans Saints quarterback room got a major facelift so far during the offseason. Derek Carr, the high-priced free agent was brought in 2 years ago to steady the position, has retired from the NFL. But before that was known, the Saints used a second round draft pick to take Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough.

Carr's Shock Retirement Reshapes Saints' Roster Outlook

Now, some believe the Saints might have attacked the draft differently if they knew Carr was about to retire from the NFL. It might not have been a second round pick they used, or Shough being picked at all in the draft if the team knew Carr was going to retire.

An Unproven QB Room Emerges in New Orleans

But this is where they are now. Rookie Head Coach Kellen Moore has a quarterback room with Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler, and Jake Haener. They have a rookie QB (Shough) who is exactly one year older than their second-year QB (Rattler), and another quarterback who has attempted 39 passes in his career (Jake Haener). However, there have been rumors of additional help making it to the Big Easy.

Aaron Rodgers Out: Saints' Veteran QB Hunt Hits Snag

Rumors have linked the Saints to a pair of veteran quarterbacks; free agent Aaron Rodgers, and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins. Both are aging veterans looking to find a few more years of success in the twilight of their careers. Which could be in New Orleans, with offensive weapons on the roster, and a pretty easy path to the playoff in the NFC South.

But news started flowing this morning that one of those names has been taken out of the running. Just as reports from the Rodgers' camp suggested he had narrowed his search for a new team down to the Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers, the Saints are reportedly out on him.

The NFL Network's Tom Pelissero has been one of those who have gone on the record to say their sources have told him that the Saints aren't in on Rodgers, saying:

“I don’t get the sense that Aaron Rodgers is going to end up in New Orleans. There is perhaps, you could certainly argue, a clearer path for Aaron Rodgers to get into the playoffs in the NFC and particularly in the NFC South, but, that’s about the only argument for going to New Orleans."

He did add a qualifier in his statement, saying "never say never" at the end of his quote. So there's still a chance of Rodgers coming to New Orleans...but not a good one at this point.

Kirk Cousins Trade: A Risky Division Rival Deal?

The Saints could still look to get Cousins from Atlanta. But to make that happen, you're going to need to see NFC South rivals (possibly the bitterest of the division rivals) help each other. The Falcons would need to eat a ton of Cousins' salary, and the Saints would have to give assets (probably draft picks) to the Falcons. Those draft picks will turn into players the Falcons will use against the Saints, twice a year, moving forward.

Saints Poised For Wild Season With Rookie Coach, Young QBs

Right now, it sounds like the Saints might run headfirst into this season with a trio of under-experienced signal callers, and a rookie head coach.