Saints' pursuit of Aaron Rodgers, Kirk Cousins takes $30 million QB twist

The New Orleans Saints might not have a choice.

All indications this offseason were that the Saints weren't going to pursue Aaron Rodgers or Kirk Cousins, two somewhat available veteran QBs, even after Derek Carr was reported as injured.

But now that Carr announced his retirement on Saturday morning, this is a very reality that New Orleans is facing.

MORE: Derek Carr makes shocking retirement announcement with injury explanation

Without a veteran, they can start rookie Tyler Shough, second-year Spencer Rattler or third-year Jake Haener.

Maybe the Saints just chalk things up to a rebuilding year. 

But this is a proud franchise that now has $30 million available to it after Carr's retirement, per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.

Rodgers is a free agent, almost entirely linked to the Steelers at this point.

Cousins is under contract with the Falcons but slated to back up second-year QB Michael Penix Jr.

MORE: Breaking down the New Orleans QB depth chart

If the Saints want to win this year, those are their only two solutions.

Maybe the 41-year old Rodgers and 36-year old Cousins aren't good enough to get New Orleans to the playoffs, either.

But you can bet some phones will be ringing. The Saints owe the rest of their roster the chance to shine.

With Rodgers or Cousins, maybe that's possible.

They'd also protect Shough from having to be pressed into starting too early after being taken No. 40 overall in the second round of this year's draft.

Shough is likely the QB of the future. But the Saints might just need a wily veteran to guide them at quarterback in the present.

MORE: Saints rookie Tyler Shough's age about to come in handy