Derek Carr is set to spoil the Steelers plans of drafting Shedeur Sanders

Derek Carr's shoulder injury may need surgery, which may create an opening for the NFC team to draft Shedeur Sanders before the Pittsburgh Steelers get the chance.

Derek Carr is set to spoil the Steelers plans of drafting Shedeur Sanders

Derek Carr and Shedeur Sanders (Image via IMAGO)

Even though Shedeur Sanders is considered a top-five draft prospect, his stock has taken a hit recently. This may lead to Sanders sliding down, bringing teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers into the frame.

The Steelers hold the 21st overall pick in the upcoming draft in Green Bay and are hunting for a new quarterback. Hayden Winks of the Underdog’s latest projection landed the Steelers with Shedeur Sanders. However, the latest development in the NFC South may spoil Mike Tomlin’s plans of coaching Deion Sanders’ son.

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According to reports from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the New Orleans Saints’ starting quarterback, Derek Carr, is dealing with a shoulder injury that may require surgery. The veteran Pro Bowler’s season prematurely ended after suffering a fracture early on, leaving rookie Spencer Rattler with most of the snaps.

Carr’s invisibility is a big concern for first-time head coach Kellen Moore. If Carr undergoes the surgery, then it will take him about six months to recover. It will keep him out until November, so they need a Plan B. This is where Shedeur Sanders can solve all of their problems.

If the departing Colorado quarterback slides down the draft order, then the Saints become a prospect to take him at 9. Louis Riddick loves the idea of Shedeur going to New Orleans, and so does Coach Prime.

There’s one big alternative that most are overlooking. Both the Saints and Steelers are a long shot at taking Sanders, and even if the mock drafts project him falling down, that doesn’t guarantee that he will. The New York Giants pick third, and even though they have three quarterbacks, Joe Schoen can still select Shedeur.

Shedeur Sanders likes the Steelers for one big reason

Sanders completed his pre-draft visit to the Steelers facility earlier this week. He met with the coaches and talked about tactics and his vision. After the business concluded, he appeared on the NFL Network’s The Insiders.

The Steelers were great. I understand now. I understand why they win so much, why Coach [Mike Tomlin] is the way how he is. He resembles Dad [Deion Sanders] a little bit. They have the same principles.

Shedeur Sanders said
Derek Carr is set to spoil the Steelers plans of drafting Shedeur Sanders
Shedeur Sanders (Image via IMAGO)

Tomlin’s resume boasts decades of success with the Steelers, which includes two Super Bowl rings and the crown of never recording a losing season. Shedeur feels Tomlin’s winning mentality is similar to his HOF father’s.

Understanding the mindset of why they win a lot. Just how he is a person with the value that the team has and what he’s preaching from his staff down is similar to my dad.

Shedeur Sanders said on Up & Adams via Sports Illustrated

The Steelers are still waiting on an answer from Aaron Rodgers. After spending time with new addition DK Metcalf, Rodgers disappeared, and no one knows when he will announce his next move. According to reports, Rodgers still hopes to receive a call from the Minnesota Vikings, who remain undecided about their starting quarterback.

Drafting Shedeur Sanders will end the Steelers’ pursuit of a potential franchise quarterback. They can chalk off Joe Flacco because he signed for their AFC North rivals, the Cleveland Browns.

The only way the Steelers can draft Sanders is by trading up. Two teams may entertain them depending on the compensation in return.

The first team the Steelers can negotiate with is the Jacksonville Jaguars, who pick fifth in the draft. Quarterback isn’t a priority for them, but they need a good pass rusher, and TJ Watt seems to be at his wit’s end, so trading him to the Jaguars may land Tomlin and Omar Khan the fifth pick to draft Shedeur Sanders.

Another team is the Carolina Panthers, who, similar to the Jaguars, are sticking with their quarterback, Bryce Young. The Panthers pick eighth, which is just before the Saints. The Steelers can offer Watt along with an additional pick and trade up to take Sanders.

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