Hunter Dekkers Signs with New Orleans Saints After Derek Carr’s Sudden Retirement

The New Orleans Saints have added quarterback Hunter Dekkers to their roster as an undrafted free agent, following the unexpected retirement of veteran signal-caller Derek Carr. The move introduces a bold new chapter for both the Saints and Dekkers whose path to the NFL has been anything but conventional.

🏈 From Suspension to Shot at the NFL

Dekkers, once a highly touted prospect at Iowa State, had his collegiate career derailed in 2023 after being suspended amid a gambling investigation. The scandal led him to transfer to Iowa Western Community College, where he worked to rebuild his profile and prove he still belonged in the football conversation.

• Height/Weight: 6’3″, 235 lbs
• Strengths: Pocket presence, arm strength, mobility
• Setback: Suspended during junior year for violating NCAA gambling policy
• Redemption arc: Clean record and standout JUCO season helped rebuild his draft stock

“I’ve learned from my mistakes, and I’m ready to prove I belong,” Dekkers said in a post-signing interview.

⚜️ Saints Start Fresh at QB

Derek Carr’s sudden decision to retire left the Saints scrambling for quarterback depth. With questions surrounding Jameis Winston’s future and no rookie drafted, Dekkers’ signing signals a possible long-term developmental project for New Orleans.

• Currently joins a QB room led by Jake Haener and Taysom Hill
• Could earn reps in preseason or training camp rotations
• Saints staff reportedly impressed with his arm strength and mental toughness

Dekkers may not be viewed as a plug-and-play starter, but in a post-Carr era, he brings upside and a clean slate to a team in transition.

🔮 What’s Next for Dekkers?

Dekkers will now enter a high-stakes offseason in New Orleans, where performance in rookie minicamp and OTAs could determine his NFL future.

• Needs to show growth in decision-making and accuracy
• Off-the-field maturity will also be closely monitored
• Likely to compete for a QB3 or practice squad role for now

His journey is a reminder of how quickly things can change in professional sports and how second chances, when earned, can carry real weight.

📰 Final Thoughts

Hunter Dekkers’ signing with the Saints isn’t just a transaction it’s a turning point. After a rocky college career and a public fall from grace, he’s now stepping into one of football’s most unpredictable positions with a clean slate and something to prove.