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CBS Sports analyst doesn't hold back on Saints QB situation | Sporting News Canada

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, August 30th 2025 at 4:59 GMT by Sporting News
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CBS Sports Insider Takes a Hard Look at the Saints’ QB Conundrum

When the New Orleans Saints took a 41‑9 beating from the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4 of the 2023 NFL season, the reaction from the media was immediate and, for many, uncomfortably blunt. Among the voices that cut to the chase was CBS Sports analyst Mark Rapoport, whose candid assessment of the Saints’ quarterback situation sparked a flurry of discussion across the league.

The Heart of the Issue: A Quarterback in Transition

The Saints entered 2023 with a clear goal: build a team that could finish the regular season with a winning record and secure a playoff berth. However, that ambition was undermined by a lack of stability at the quarterback position. With long‑time starter Drew Brees retiring at the end of 2022, the Saints found themselves juggling a revolving door of backup quarterbacks.

• Jameis Winston – The former Saints starter, who was traded to the Tennessee Titans in the 2022 offseason, returned to New Orleans on a short‑term contract and was slated to provide depth in a season where the Saints hoped to lean on his veteran experience.
• Taysom Hill – A unique utility player known for his versatility on both offense and defense, Hill was expected to keep the offense moving in a pinch, but his skill set was not tailored for a full‑time quarterback role.
• Cameron Brink – A rookie quarterback selected in the 2023 draft, Brink’s arrival added another variable to an already uncertain quarterback landscape.

Rapoport’s criticism centered on how the Saints’ management had failed to make a decisive move in this crucial area. “It’s like the team is trying to win a quarterback position battle that’s already been fought,” Rapoport remarked on CBS Sports Radio. “You can’t keep cycling through backups and hope for a breakout. The Saints need a clear plan.”

The Raiders Loss: A Wake‑Up Call

The Raiders’ 41‑9 victory was more than just a scoreline; it highlighted the depth of the Saints’ offensive woes. While the defense managed to contain the Raiders’ high‑powered offense, the Saints struggled on the ground and through the air. The Raiders’ rookie quarterback, Trevor Louis, had 284 passing yards, 4 touchdowns, and no interceptions, while the Saints’ offense managed only 10 points, two of which came from a single offensive play.

Rapoport emphasized that the Raiders’ dominance was not simply a result of their own offensive prowess but also the Saints’ inability to execute. “You can’t have an offense that’s stuck in the past. The Saints need a quarterback who can move the ball, make quick decisions, and keep the defense honest,” he said.

The Broader Impact on the Franchise

The Saints’ quarterback situation is not just a matter of on‑field performance; it affects fan morale, franchise stability, and future draft strategy. The team’s general manager, Mickey Kerrigan, has been under pressure to secure a franchise quarterback before the trade deadline, but no clear plan has emerged. Meanwhile, fans and analysts alike have voiced concerns that the Saints’ reputation as a “high‑flying” offense may fade if the quarterback position remains unsettled.

In a broader sense, Rapoport’s commentary underscores a fundamental truth about the NFL: the quarterback is often the single most influential position on the field. A franchise’s success hinges on a clear, long‑term vision at that spot. “If you want to rebuild a team, the first thing you do is get your quarterback right,” Rapoport said.

What Comes Next?

With the Saints approaching the mid‑season mark, there are several potential paths the franchise could take:

1. Capitalize on Draft Picks – The Saints could use their upcoming draft picks to secure a high‑grade quarterback prospect and either trade Winston or Hill for a more suitable backup.
2. Mid‑Season Trade – Rapoport noted that the Saints have the flexibility to trade for a veteran quarterback if the trade deadline arrives. He suggested the team should be prepared to act quickly, especially if the current backup options fail to deliver.
3. Free‑Agency Pursuit – Another possibility is to target a free‑agent quarterback who can provide an immediate upgrade.

Rapoport’s blunt analysis has added urgency to the Saints’ decision‑making process. “You’re not going to get away with a mediocre quarterback in this league,” he warned. “You have to be decisive.”

Bottom Line

The Saints’ quarterback situation remains one of the league’s most glaring uncertainties. The 41‑9 loss to the Raiders served as a stark reminder that the team’s offense is, at best, a puzzle without a core piece. CBS Sports analyst Mark Rapoport’s candid remarks may be unsettling, but they reflect a growing consensus that the Saints need to act fast if they are to recapture the competitiveness of a franchise that once dominated the NFC South.

The next few weeks will be crucial for New Orleans. Whether the organization will finally commit to a clear quarterback plan or continue to shuffle options remains to be seen. In a sport where the difference between a winning season and a losing one can hinge on a single play, Rapoport’s words serve as both a warning and a call to action for the Saints’ leadership.