Buccaneers' NFC South Rival Signing 4-Time Pro Bowl Quarterback

According to numerous sources, Derek Carr is expected to sign a 4-year contract to become the new starting quarterback for the New Orleans Saints.

Carr has been linked to New Orleans since it was first reported that he would not be a part of the Raiders' plans moving forward.

The #Saints are closing in on a deal with QB David Carr, sources tell me and @RapSheet. After nine seasons with the #Raiders, the four-time Pro Bowl selection is headed to New Orleans.

The first QB domino is about to fall and one NFC South team has its starter. pic.twitter.com/nuLSAhncLQ
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 6, 2023

Prior to being released by Las Vegas, the Saints were granted permission to bring Carr in for a visit, and upon doing so, agreed to terms on a potential trade — should that have been the route needed to acquire his services.

It turns out it wasn't.

Carr was released shortly after that, immediately becoming an unrestricted free agent. This allowed Carr to explore his options, with a number of teams, such as the New York Jets, Carolina Panthers, and others.

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Despite the fact that New Orleans has been strapped for money for a number of years now, creative cap management has allowed them to continue to push money down the line. It's a model that we saw the Buccaneers adopt during their recent Super Bowl window, and one they are looking to get away from, as evidenced by their willingness to take on all of Tom Brady's dead cap hit this season — by choice — as opposed to spreading it out over the next two years.

As we wait for the financial details of this Derek Carr contract to be released, there's no question that New Orleans will eventually be in an utterly dreadful salary cap crunch.

But for now, GM, Mickey Loomis, has the support of the owner, Gayle Benson, to do what it takes to extend the team's window of contention. The current state of the NFC South, undoubtedly one of the least talented in the entire league, has played a role in this approach.

Despite his falling out in Las Vegas, there's no question that Derek Carr is a competent NFL quarterback. And with so many teams in dire need for quality quarterback play, the Saints have now gained a clear advantage in a division that lacks star power at the position.

New Orleans has plenty of talent on both sides of the ball. And no matter how you feel about the long-term strategy employed by their front office and ownership from a roster-building perspective, you have to respect the franchise's commitment to building the best football team they can, for right now.

Will it be enough to deliver another NFC South division title? Most likely.

Will Derek Carr's presence give the New Orleans Saints what they need to contend for Conference Championships and Super Bowls over the next four years? I'm not so sure.

But one thing is for sure... The New Orleans Saints just became a much better football team.

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