Derek Carr finds himself at a crossroads as he navigates his contract with the New Orleans Saints, locked in for the next two seasons but facing a potential shakeup. With a hefty cap hit of $50 million this year and $60 million the next, the Saints might find it wise to explore their options, particularly with the Pittsburgh Steelers potentially eyeing a trade.
Kellen Moore, the Saints’ new head coach, has sung Carr’s praises, yet the reality of that cap situation could force New Orleans to rethink their strategy. Carr’s experience and skillset can’t be overlooked; however, the reality remains that financial decisions in the NFL can often pave the way for roster changes even when a player has proven success.
The Steelers, currently in search of a reliable starter after moving on from Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, may see Carr as a plausible fit. Although Fields started five games and had a solid 10-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio, Pittsburgh’s coaching staff clearly believes a veteran presence could better steer the ship moving forward. Mike Tomlin’s approach often leans towards stability and experience, which Carr can provide.
If securing Aaron Rodgers doesn’t pan out, the Steelers should definitely keep Carr in their sights. A trade could not only provide them with the immediate leadership they crave but also give Carr another chance to establish himself as a top-tier quarterback in a new environment.
Now, what’s required from the Saints is an astute evaluation of their future. Placing Carr on the trading block might not yield a blockbuster return, likely resulting in a third or fourth-round pick at best. However, if New Orleans could offload Carr’s contract and secure some draft capital, it could signal the beginning of a much-needed rebuild. With GM Mickey Loomis at the helm, the focus must shift to re-establishing the team’s competitive edge and moving away from salary cap struggles.
While Carr has shown flashes of brilliance when healthy, as a 34-year-old quarterback with a new coaching perspective, his upside may be capped. Moving on could allow the Saints to invest in a younger quarterback, making a play for talents like Justin Fields, Joe Milton, or Jaxson Dart in the upcoming draft. This transition could lay the foundation for a new era in New Orleans, driving the team toward renewed success.
