The Jacksonville Jaguars hold the fifth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, but you could make the case that they might get better value if they move down a few spots, especially if their preferred prospect is no longer on the board. The issue with that premise is that there aren't many teams intrigued about the prospect of trading up. That said, the New Orleans Saints have suddenly become an intriguing partner to pull it off.
Ian Rapoport reported that Saints quarterback Derek Carr is dealing with a shoulder injury, pointing out that his availability for the 2025 season is in doubt.
The #Saints suddenly have a major QB question: Starter Derek Carr is now dealing with a shoulder injury that threatens his availability for this season, sources say.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 11, 2025
Carr is weighing options, including the possibility of surgery. pic.twitter.com/QNdc9ipE8P
Carr was a second-round pick for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2014. After nine seasons with the Silver and Black, he signed a four-year deal worth $150 million with New Orleans in 2023. So far, his play has left much to be desired. Add the fact that he might miss the 2025 season, and the Saints probably feel like they haven't gotten enough bang for their buck.
With this said, you may be wondering what this pertains to the Jaguars. The answer is simple.
If Carr does miss the 2025 campaign, the Saints will have to lean on Spencer Ratler, Ben DiNucci, or Jake Haener, the other quarterbacks on the roster. However, none of them inspire confidence. To make matters worse, they're in a cap crunch to make a run for Aaron Rodgers, who remains unsigned. Add it all up and New Orleans might want to draft a quarterback in the first round.
At No. 9, there's a chance Shedeur Sanders may be available, but the Saints run the risk of another team jumping ahead of them and drafting. That makes the Jaguars an intriguing trade-up partner.
What kind of compensation the Jaguars could get from the Saints to trade up?
There's a chance that Shedeur Sanders might be available at No. 9. In fact, Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN believes he may fall outside of the top 10. This makes sense when you take into account that the Cleveland Browns and the New York Giants, the two teams who need a quarterback the most, may target Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter, respectively. Having said that, the New Orleans Saints may not want to take a chance. If that's the case, they should give the Jacksonville Jaguars a call.
Just recently, Pete Prisco of CBS Sports suggested the Jags trade the fifth overall selection to the Chicago Bears in exchange for picks No. 10 and either No. 39 or No. 41. The Orleans Saints could make a similar offer to move up four picks and ensure no team gets ahead of them.
Granted, the Jaguars may not want to trade down if Travis Hunter or whoever they've set their sights on is on the board when they're on the clock. However, they should strongly consider the possibility of trading down if New Orleans comes calling.