The New Orleans Saints have yet to finalize their plans for quarterback Derek Carr this offseason, but according to recent reports, the team has made a decision.
Carr, who signed a four-year, $150 million contract with the Saints just two seasons ago, has been considered a potential cap casualty.
Since joining New Orleans, he has thrown for 6,023 yards, 40 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. However, some Saints fans have seen enough and are hoping to move on from Carr.
Releasing Carr with a post-June 1 designation would free up $30 million in cap space, a move that could provide significant relief to a team struggling financially.
Despite this potential savings, however, it appears the Saints are not planning to make a quarterback change for the 2025 season.
Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reported that the Saints are expected to keep Carr as their starting quarterback for the upcoming season.
“Sounds like the Saints plan to keep Derek Carr at QB. Mickey Loomis said they feel like they got a QB they can win with, and Kellen Moore said the team feels fortunate to have Carr. Moore and Carr have met. Sounds like it went well. Still have some contract stuff to figure,” Underhill posted on X.
First-year head coach Kellen Moore has expressed enthusiasm about working with Carr, though he stopped short of confirming him as the Week 1 starter.
During his introductory press conference earlier this month, Moore praised Carr’s talent, saying, “Derek’s a tremendous quarterback in this league. I’ve had so much respect for him, the journey that he’s been on, he’s a starter in this league.
Those hoping Moore would be anxious to turn the page from the Carr era and find his own guy were left disappointed.
“He’s a premier player in this league. Really excited to team up with him and go through this process and so just like any player on this roster, I just got here a few days ago and I’m excited to go through this journey with all of them,” Moore added.
While Moore’s comments signal a strong foundation for Carr’s future in New Orleans, many fans are ready for a change under center.
Whether the Saints ultimately stick with Carr or look for a new direction at quarterback remains to be seen.
However, it’s looking more and more likely that the 2025 Saints are going to run it back with Derek at the helm.
While the Saints aren’t in the best financial spot, the fact of the matter is if Carr can stay healthy he still possesses the potential to be an elite quarterback in the league.
If Moore and Carr click right off the bat, it’s not the craziest thing to think that New Orleans could be legitimate contenders in the NFC South.
What are your thoughts on Carr? … Assuming the reports are true, are the Saints making a mistake by sticking with him???
