In a stunning twist just before happy hour on Friday, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport dropped a bombshell: New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr is grappling with a significant shoulder injury that could jeopardize his 2025 season. This revelation could have seismic repercussions not only for the Saints but also for the NFC South and the upcoming NFL Draft.

ESPN analyst Louis Riddick chimed in on social media, hinting that the Saints' ninth draft position could become extraordinarily intriguing. Colorado head coach Deion Sanders added fuel to the fire with a tweet containing classic eyeball emojis, signaling that this news was likely worth paying attention to.

The fallout from Carr's injury could directly impact the Carolina Panthers, who currently hold the eighth overall pick—just one spot ahead of the Saints. As the Saints find themselves in the hunt for a quarterback, the Panthers may be tempted to trade back, especially if another team is eyeing top quarterback prospects.

The implications are twofold: if a team jumps ahead of the Saints to snatch a quarterback, the Panthers might benefit from a highly-rated player slipping to them at No. 8. As Riddick pointed out, this draft is set to be anything but boring.

Saints Eyeing Deion Sanders?

Following Carr's injury news, the odds of the Saints drafting Deion Sanders' son are increasingly stacked in their favor. As of Sunday night, DraftKings had installed the Saints as the betting favorites with -110 odds, while the Pittsburgh Steelers lagged behind at +350. However, the Saints aren't putting all their eggs in one basket; they are vetting other quarterback prospects, including Louisville’s Tyler Shough, who is known for his towering 6'5 frame.

What Could the Panthers Get for Their No. 8 Pick?

Historically, the eighth pick has been retained in drafts nine out of the last ten years, with one notable exception in 2016. That year saw a whirlwind of trades that involved significant player exchanges. Currently, as the Panthers undergo a rebuilding phase, general manager Dan Morgan may prioritize acquiring picks over players if they opt to trade back.

But finding a trade partner is another story. Before Carr's injury, Buccaneers GM Jason Licht expressed skepticism about the number of teams looking to trade up, suggesting that the draft's depth might limit movement.

Interestingly, the Steelers, who are rumored to be interested in moving from No. 21 to secure a quarterback, have rarely pulled off major moves up the draft board. In fact, they have only done so twice in over two decades.

Panthers’ Eighth Pick History: A Look Back

Over the years, the Panthers have found gems with the eighth pick, including three Pro Bowl players—Christian McCaffrey, Jordan Gross, and Jaycee Horn. McCaffrey, of course, became a household name for his dual-threat capability, while Horn is coming off a breakout season.

Some uncertainty looms, however. Historically, quarterbacks selected at the eighth pick have rarely been involved in trades. The most notable recent example is the Falcons selecting Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 last spring.

To Move or Not to Move?

Dave Gettleman, the Panthers' former GM, reflected on past drafts, particularly 2017 when he opted to keep the eighth pick to begin a new era at running back. That decision led to the drafting of Christian McCaffrey, who flourished despite early doubts.

As the Panthers weigh their options, the looming question remains: Will they seize the opportunity to trade back or capitalize on the eighth pick to select another franchise cornerstone? With draft day fast approaching and the landscape rapidly evolving, one thing is clear—the Panthers’ choices will have ramifications long past the first night of the draft.

Final Thoughts

All eyes will be on Carolina as draft day nears. Will they play it safe or gamble on maximizing their potential in a year filled with uncertainty? The stakes have never been higher.