Falcons gain major boost in NFC South after Derek Carr’s sudden retirement
Derek Carr's sudden retirement has left the New Orleans Saints in a difficult position as they scramble to find a new starting quarterback before the 2025 NFL season. This unexpected change has created an opportunity for the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers to challenge the dominance of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC South. The Falcons, who have not won the division since 2016, are optimistic about their chances due to their upgraded roster and the emergence of quarterback Michael Penix Jr. The Saints' predicament may also lead them to explore trading for a veteran quarterback like Kirk Cousins, though financial and divisional challenges make this complex. The overall shift in the NFC South dynamics provides a fresh chance for teams like Atlanta and Carolina to potentially emerge as playoff contenders or even division winners.
Context:
Derek Carr's sudden retirement has left the New Orleans Saints in a difficult position as they scramble to find a new starting quarterback before the 2025 NFL season. This unexpected change has created an opportunity for the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers to challenge the dominance of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC South. The Falcons, who have not won the division since 2016, are optimistic about their chances due to their upgraded roster and the emergence of quarterback Michael Penix Jr. The Saints' predicament may also lead them to explore trading for a veteran quarterback like Kirk Cousins, though financial and divisional challenges make this complex. The overall shift in the NFC South dynamics provides a fresh chance for teams like Atlanta and Carolina to potentially emerge as playoff contenders or even division winners.
Dive Deeper:
Derek Carr's retirement has caught the New Orleans Saints off guard, as they now face the challenge of finding a new quarterback just months before the 2025 season begins, compounding their existing difficulties.
The Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers are seen as potential beneficiaries of the Saints' sudden quarterback crisis, with both teams having promising young coaches and quarterbacks ready to step up in the NFC South.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have dominated the NFC South since their Super Bowl win in 2020, but the current situation presents a new competitive landscape where Atlanta and Carolina could vie for the top spot.
The Falcons have not won the division since 2016, but with an improved roster and Michael Penix Jr.'s expected rise as a full-time starter, they are hopeful about their competitive prospects.
Although Kirk Cousins remains under contract with the Falcons, there is speculation about the possibility of the Saints pursuing him as a veteran quarterback option, despite potential financial and divisional trade hurdles.
While Derek Carr appears to be enjoying retirement, the rest of the NFL — and especially the New Orleans Saints — are still adjusting to his sudden departure.
Now just months away from the 2025 season, the Saints are left scrambling to identify their next starting quarterback. Carr’s exit has only added to the growing list of concerns in New Orleans, a team already considered to be in a rough spot entering the year.
But where the Saints falter, others in the NFC South may benefit. According to USA Today’s Nate Davis, both the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers are positioned to capitalize.
“The NFC South has long been ruled by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who won the Super Bowl following the 2020 season and have finished atop the division every year since,” Davis wrote. “But led by promising young coaches and quarterbacks, Atlanta and Carolina now see their chances to compete for the divisional throne – or maybe even qualify as surprise wild cards in 2025 – increase given the Saints, who have averaged 7.5 wins per season since QB Drew Brees retired four years ago, have suddenly been thrust into something of a shotgun rebuild.”
The Falcons haven’t won the division since 2016 and have watched both the Saints and Buccaneers dominate it in the years since. While Tampa Bay may still enter the season as the favorite, Atlanta has reason for optimism — thanks to an upgraded roster and the expected full-time emergence of quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
The Falcons split last year’s series with the Saints, though their second matchup in New Orleans — a Week 10 loss — marked the beginning of a 2-6 slide that ultimately cost them a playoff berth and the benching of Kirk Cousins.
- Could Kirk Cousins be traded to Saints?
Carr’s retirement may also shine a new light on Atlanta’s quarterback situation. The Falcons still have Kirk Cousins under contract, and while no rumors have surfaced, New Orleans could theoretically explore a trade if they’re seeking a veteran option.
“Financially, a trade involving Cousins may prove difficult, and the Falcons probably don't want to trade him within the division,” wrote Daniel Mader of The Sporting News. “But crazier things have happened in the NFL. If the Saints are desperate for a veteran presence and strike out on Rodgers, maybe Atlanta is willing to talk about a deal for Cousins.”
MORE: Falcons’ Michael Penix Jr. faces manageable 2025 schedule in first year as full-time starter