Derek Carr's retirement signals a significant shift for the New Orleans Saints, who confirmed the decision following revelations of severe damage to his right shoulder. With a labral tear and degenerative rotator cuff injuries, Carr's ability to start was already under scrutiny as the 2025 season approached. Without Carr, the Saints will turn to Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler to compete for the starting quarterback position, with indications favoring Shough as the frontrunner for the majority of the snaps.

This development complicates the Saints' offensive strategy and raises concerns for fantasy managers who had anticipated Carr's potential in 2025. The impact on the receiving corps, including familiar faces like Chris Olave and Michael Thomas, adds another layer of uncertainty as they adjust to a new quarterback. Rattler, if he earns the starting role, could bring a different dynamic to the offense, while Shough’s readiness to take the helm is yet to be fully assessed.

Graham Mertz, the former Florida Gators quarterback, has signed a four-year, $4.9 million contract with the Houston Texans after being selected in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Mertz, who began his collegiate career at Wisconsin, showcased impressive stats at Florida, leading the SEC in passing percentage. However, injuries plagued his final seasons, impacting his availability and performance.

Despite these setbacks, Mertz finished his college career with a strong 64.7% completion rate and over 9,000 passing yards. His transition to the NFL with the Texans marks a significant step in his career, where he aims to overcome previous hurdles and establish himself as a reliable quarterback.

The Houston Texans have secured quarterback Graham Mertz by signing him to a four-year rookie deal valued at $4.93 million, including a $228,484 signing bonus. Originally a sixth-round pick, Mertz's promising collegiate career began at Wisconsin before a transfer to Florida, where he shone in 2023. He led the SEC with a 76.6% completion rate, throwing for 2,903 yards and 20 touchdowns against just three interceptions. However, a torn ACL limited him to just six games in 2024, during which he still managed to post impressive stats. As the Texans prepare for rookie minicamp, the focus will be on Mertz's recovery and readiness for the future.

The Florida Gators have established themselves as a prominent program in college football, showcasing remarkable consistency by having at least one player selected in every NFL Draft since 1996. In the recent 2025 NFL Draft, they had seven players chosen, including receiver Chimere Dike to the Tennessee Titans and defensive lineman Cam Jackson to the Carolina Panthers. This milestone highlights the talent coming out of Florida, especially under the leadership of head coach Billy Napier, who secured his first winning season and bowl victory in 2025.

Despite some undrafted players like Elijhah Badger and RJ Moten, the Gators are poised for future success with returning talent such as quarterback DJ Lagway and newly acquired transfers from the portal. The team is set to build on its recent success, aiming for a stronger season ahead.

Graham Mertz, once a highly touted quarterback recruit from Wisconsin, faced significant challenges during his time at Florida and was ultimately drafted by the Houston Texans in the sixth round. Mertz's collegiate journey was marked by inconsistency, having thrown 38 touchdowns and 26 interceptions while completing just under 60% of passes at Wisconsin. However, at Florida, he showcased impressive growth, setting program records for completion percentage (72.9) and consecutive passes without an interception (239), before suffering a broken collarbone that ended his season.

Despite a promising college career, Mertz's journey was hindered by injuries, including a concussion and a torn ACL. Now with the Texans, Mertz will compete for the backup position behind rising star CJ Stroud, hoping to prove his worth after a rocky college tenure. He is joined by several former teammates who were also drafted or signed as free agents, reflecting a strong Gators presence in the NFL draft this year.