**BREAKING NEWS: The New Orleans Saints Sign Pre-Draft Deal with Ohio State Quarterback Will Howard – A Clear Indication of 2025 Draft Plans**
In a shocking move, the New Orleans Saints have signed Ohio State quarterback Will Howard to a pre-draft deal worth $437,000. The agreement, which is contingent upon Howard being selected in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, is a bold statement from the Saints’ front office and offers a rare glimpse into their plans for the future. The signing, widely viewed as an indication of the team’s intent to draft Howard, raises plenty of questions about the direction the franchise is heading as they look to secure their quarterback of the future.
**Who is Will Howard?**
Will Howard is a highly regarded quarterback from Ohio State, one of the premier football programs in the country. Known for his impressive physical traits and ability to make all the throws required of an NFL quarterback, Howard has emerged as one of the top quarterback prospects for the 2025 draft. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 220 pounds, he possesses a strong arm, good mobility in the pocket, and a quick release on his passes. Over his collegiate career, Howard has demonstrated a consistent ability to lead his team in high-pressure situations, earning accolades and helping Ohio State contend for championships.
As a dual-threat quarterback, Howard is able to extend plays with his legs and has the ability to make accurate throws on the move. However, it is his overall poise in the pocket, ability to read defenses, and deep-ball accuracy that have made him a standout in the draft class. With a number of quarterbacks already being projected to go in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Howard’s skill set positions him as one of the top-tier signal-callers in this year’s class.
**The Saints’ Motivation: Why the Pre-Draft Deal?**
The New Orleans Saints’ decision to sign a pre-draft deal with Howard is highly unusual in the NFL, where contracts are typically not negotiated with players until after they’ve been drafted. However, this is not the first time a team has used unconventional methods to get ahead in the draft. By offering Howard this deal, the Saints are clearly signaling that they have significant interest in selecting the Ohio State product in April’s draft.
This deal suggests that the Saints, who currently have Derek Carr as their starting quarterback, are looking for long-term stability at the position. Carr, who was signed by the Saints as a free agent in 2023, has been solid but has not been able to provide the franchise with the elite-level play that they’ve been seeking. While Carr’s experience is invaluable, the team’s window for competing in the postseason with him under center may be closing sooner rather than later.
By signing Howard to this pre-draft deal, the Saints can begin preparing for the future, and they likely see Howard as a future franchise quarterback. This early investment in a top prospect could also serve as a potential bargaining chip or as a statement to other teams that the Saints have their eyes set on Howard as the centerpiece of their offense for years to come.
**What This Means for the 2025 Draft**
With the signing of Will Howard, it is now widely assumed that the New Orleans Saints are positioning themselves to select him in the 2025 NFL Draft. The timing of the deal suggests that the Saints believe they can secure a top spot in the draft order to grab Howard. While many mock drafts had the Saints targeting other positions such as linebacker, defensive back, or wide receiver, this move makes it clear that quarterback is now their primary focus.
It’s unclear exactly where the Saints will fall in the draft order, but they are likely to make significant efforts to move up in the first round if necessary. The 2025 draft class boasts several talented quarterbacks, and the Saints’ commitment to securing Howard could be their way of ensuring that they land their guy, regardless of where they pick.
For the Saints, selecting Howard would be a calculated risk, but it could pay off in the long run if Howard’s potential translates to success at the NFL level. His ability to develop under the mentorship of Derek Carr could lead to a smooth transition at the position, ensuring the Saints’ offensive stability for years to come.
**Conclusion: A Bold Move for the Future**
The New Orleans Saints’ decision to sign Will Howard to a pre-draft deal is a clear indication of their plans for the 2025 NFL Draft. By targeting a quarterback of Howard’s caliber, the Saints are setting themselves up to build for the future while securing their long-term stability at the quarterback position. While this move adds intrigue to the draft process, it also raises the stakes for the Saints as they look to take the next step in a competitive NFC South division.
As the draft approaches, all eyes will now be on the New Orleans Saints to see whether their bold pre-draft maneuver pays off with a successful selection of Howard, potentially ushering in a new era for the franchise.
