New Orleans Saints Face Tough Choice on Tanking for Historic Draft Pick That Could Rewrite Franchise Destiny
The New Orleans Saints have long been a team of resilience, with an impressive history bolstered by a Super Bowl victory in 2009 and a tradition of consistent competitiveness. However, as the 2025 season enters its final stretch, the team finds itself at a crossroads. For the first time in a decade, the Saints face a tough decision: should they embrace the unthinkable and tank for a historic draft pick that could potentially reshape the future of the franchise?
The Stakes of the 2025 Draft
The 2025 NFL Draft is being hailed as one of the most anticipated in recent memory, thanks to a crop of talent unlike anything the league has seen in years. At the top of this class are generational prospects who could instantly elevate any franchise in need of a game-changing quarterback or a transformative player. Among them is the consensus No. 1 overall pick, a quarterback with a rare blend of physical tools, football IQ, and leadership—someone who has the potential to rewrite the course of a franchise’s history. This has sparked speculation across the league that teams, even traditionally competitive ones like the Saints, might find themselves weighing the option of “tanking” for a chance at landing this once-in-a-lifetime talent.
A Legacy of Competitive Play
The idea of tanking is foreign to a franchise that has thrived on gritty play, leadership, and a winning culture, especially in the post-Drew Brees era. Even with a changing roster and the uncertainty surrounding the future of the quarterback position, the Saints have managed to stay competitive, led by head coach Dennis Allen and a solid core of veterans. But as the season draws to a close, it’s evident that their playoff aspirations are slipping away.
While the Saints have an array of talent, including playmakers like wide receiver Chris Olave and star running back Alvin Kamara, the quarterback position has been a constant question mark. Veteran Derek Carr has had his moments but hasn’t been able to spark the consistency the Saints need to truly contend for a title. With a lack of clarity at that crucial position, the Saints front office faces a daunting question: do they ride out the remainder of the season with the hope of sneaking into the playoffs, or do they focus on securing a top pick that could forever alter the franchise’s fortunes?
The Tanking Dilemma
Tanking, of course, is a loaded term in the NFL. Unlike in other sports where a “rebuild” is often openly embraced, the NFL generally favors teams that try to remain competitive at all costs. The competitive balance of the league, the expectations of ownership, and the demands of fan bases make the idea of tanking anathema to most franchises. The Saints, with their passionate fan base and rich history, are no exception.
But with the 2025 draft looming large and a potential future star quarterback available, the prospect of sacrificing wins for better draft positioning is a tempting proposition for the Saints. A top-three pick could position them to select a quarterback who would immediately challenge for a starting role, and, potentially, become the face of the franchise for the next decade. Such a move could set the stage for a resurgence of the kind the team hasn’t seen since Brees’ first year with the club in 2006.
The Case for Tanking
The case for tanking hinges on the potential of finding a franchise-altering talent. The Saints have been in search of a quarterback to fill the massive void left by Brees, and while Carr has been serviceable, he has not proven to be the long-term solution. A top draft pick would give them the opportunity to select someone with the kind of high ceiling that could transform the franchise’s future.
Additionally, a young, dynamic quarterback could instantly invigorate the offense and elevate the surrounding talent, from Kamara to Olave and beyond. The addition of a new face under center would bring a fresh sense of optimism, creating a new era for the team. The idea of building around a transcendent talent—someone who could make an immediate impact and change the trajectory of the franchise—has to be incredibly appealing to the front office.
The Risks and Consequences
However, tanking also comes with significant risks. For one, the optics of a team intentionally losing games would not sit well with the New Orleans fan base, which has long been loyal and dedicated to its team. The Saints have been a team defined by its culture of winning, and anything resembling a full-on rebuild could alienate fans who have become accustomed to watching a competitive squad year in and year out.
Moreover, tanking doesn’t guarantee success. Even with the top draft pick, there is no certainty that a quarterback or any player selected will live up to expectations. Busts are a harsh reality of the draft process, and the Saints could find themselves with a new signal-caller who struggles to adjust to the NFL.
There’s also the question of the team’s current roster. While they may not be playoff-bound this season, the Saints still have a solid foundation with a mix of veterans and emerging young players. By embracing a tanking strategy, they risk alienating some of their most productive players, who might question the team’s commitment to winning and to their own futures in New Orleans.
The Path Forward
The Saints’ front office, led by general manager Mickey Loomis, will have to navigate these treacherous waters with great care. While the temptation of securing a top pick is strong, the team must weigh whether it is worth sacrificing the respect of its fan base, its current talent, and the integrity of the franchise’s long-term competitive spirit.
Ultimately, the choice may come down to how high the Saints value securing a generational quarterback against the potential cost of losing the trust of their fan base. If they do decide to embrace the tank and position themselves for a historic draft pick, it could be a defining moment for the franchise—one that shapes the direction of the team for the next decade and beyond.
For now, the Saints remain at a pivotal crossroads, and only time will tell whether they will opt for the bold, albeit controversial, path of tanking to secure their future or continue their pursuit of competitiveness in the short term. In any case, one thing is certain: the 2025 draft will likely be a game-changer for the New Orleans Saints, for better or worse.
