Between a couple of expected rookie draft picks and an abundance of mid-level starters, the New Orleans Saints’ list of 2023 opponents is looking awful vulnerable at quarterback — especially in the wake of the Aaron Rodgers trade, in which the two-time former MVP was sent from the Green Bay Packers (who the Saints will visit in the fall) to the New York Jets (who they won’t see until 2025, barring a surprise Super Bowl matchup).
There just aren’t many quality quarterbacks lined up for the Saints defense to go knock down. That’s why they made such a strong run at Derek Carr. Getting an edge at the game’s most important position could pay off in a big way once the NFC playoff picture begins to take shape. At the same time, head coach Dennis Allen and offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael found a way to lose to the Carolina Panthers in Week 18 despite holding Sam Darnold to just 5 completions for 43 passing yards. Hopefully Carr can make up for their deficiencies.
This projection will change once the 2023 draft is behind us, but right now, here’s a quick survey of the starting quarterbacks projected to suit up against New Orleans this season:
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The Falcons could select a passer early (they pick at No. 8 overall), but they haven’t been connected to any of the quarterbacks in this year’s draft, and it’s likely Ridder is their guy in 2023. The Saints defense limited him to 13 completions for 97 yards (off of 26 attempts), sacking him 4 times in last year’s Week 15 game. He also ran 6 times for 38 more yards.
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The Panthers are widely anticipated to choose Alabama quarterback Bryce Young at first overall, though it’s possible they go with one of the other top passers in a last-second switch. Andy Dalton was signed in free agency to mentor the first overall draft pick.
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Maybe former second-round pick Kyle Trask unseats Mayfield in training camp, but it’s not looking likely. Neither of these passers are worthy successors for Tom Brady, but they’re probably going to do their part to help the Buccaneers secure an early pick in the 2024 draft.
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The Bears entertained the idea of moving Fields and going in a new direction under center but ultimately decided to give the quarterback they already have more to…
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