Could the Saints Next QB Be Derek Carr?
The New Orleans Saints have a glaring need at quarterback. It's their biggest need this offseason and has been an issue since legendary QB Drew Brees retired after the 2020 season.
Twelve-year veteran Andy Dalton wasn't the answer. The 35-year-old Dalton completed a career-high 66.7% of his throws for New Orleans, but averaged just 205 yards and went 6-8 as a starter. He's a free agent that could be re-signed as a backup. However, the Saints were extremely limited offensively with him behind center.
Dalton replaced an injured Jameis Winston in Week 4. Winston isn't the answer either, as was apparent by coach Dennis Allen's refusal to put him back in the lineup once medically cleared from back and foot injuries. After a promising 5-2 start to 2021 before suffering a season-ending knee injury, Winston had four touchdowns, five interceptions, and was sacked 11 times in three games. He's under contract for 2023, but the team is expected to release him this offseason.
The Saints could draft a quarterback. They obtained the Number 29 overall pick in the recent trade of Sean Payton, which could set them up to draft Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker. They now might have enough ammunition to trade up in the first to perhaps position themselves to draft C.J. Stroud of Ohio State, Alabama's Bryce Young, or Kentucky's Will Levis with a top pick.
Free agency could provide an answer. Forget Lamar Jackson, Saints fans. He'll never be allowed to leave Baltimore, even if the Ravens have to franchise tag him. Geno Smith (Seahawks) or Daniel Jones (Giants) could be highly sought after unless re-signed to lucrative deals before hitting the market. San Francisco's Jimmy Garoppolo is a proven winner who is sure to attract attention. Baker Mayfield (Rams) or Sam Darnold (Panthers) could be potential bridge starters while the Saints groom a rookie signal caller.
Another answer could currently be sitting in Las Vegas, NV.
Derek Carr, QB (Raiders)
Oct 30, 2022; Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes downfield against the New Orleans Saints. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Just one year removed from guiding the Raiders to an unlikely playoff berth, Carr was benched by Vegas coach Josh McDaniels for the final two games of 2022. In 15 games, Carr completed 60.8% of his throws for 3,522 yards with 24 touchdowns, 14 interceptions, and went 6-9 as a starter.
Carr was second-round pick by the Raiders in the 2014 NFL Draft out of Fresno State. He's gone 63-79 as a starter with the usually talent-deficient Raiders, leading them to the playoffs twice and missing just two games because of injury.
In nine seasons with the Raiders, Carr has a 64.6% completion percentage for 35,222 yards with 217 touchdowns and 99 interceptions. He threw for over 4,000 yards in four consecutive seasons from 2018 to 2021. He has 34 career 300-yard outings, including two this past season.
Carr turns 32 next month. He's thrown a career-high 14 interceptions in each of the last two years, but is a gutty gunslinger that can make all the throws. At 6'3" and 210-Lbs., Carr hangs tough against heavy pressure in the pocket but also has underrated mobility to make plays on the move. He's also had five different head coaches and five different offensive coordinators with the Raiders, yet has shown the football IQ to quickly digest an offensive system.
Carr's Status
Sep 21, 2020; Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) scrambles from New Orleans Saints defensive tackle David Onyemata (93). Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY
Derek Carr is under contract through Las Vegas for the next three seasons. However, the Raiders have also made it clear in both actions and statements that he will not be part of their team in 2023.
If Carr is still with the Raiders on February 15, his 2023 base salary of $32.9 million will become fully guaranteed. He'll count as a salary cap hit of nearly $35 million against the Las Vegas salary cap this season.
It's possible that the Raiders will release Carr if they cannot trade him before February 15. They are more likely to try and trade the quarterback. Unless Carr is willing to push back the February 15 salary deadline, then a decision must be reached on him in the next two weeks.
Understandably, there could be several teams interested in Carr, a three-time Pro Bowler. One of the teams linked to him, according to several reports, could be the New Orleans Saints.
Why the Saints could be interested in Derek Carr
Aug 8, 2014; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) is watched by head coach Dennis Allen in pregame drills. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Carr was the first player drafted by the Oakland Raiders in 2014 at the 36th overall selection. The head coach of the Raiders at the time? Current Saints head coach Dennis Allen.
It would obviously be more beneficial for New Orleans if Carr was released. In that instance, they could possibly negotiate a new contract that might be a little easier on their current salary cap situation.
The Saints might not have a choice whether to trade for him if the interest in Carr is high. Otherwise, another team could swoop in and he'd never see the free agent market. New Orleans has the draft capital to make it happen, even though the asking price would likely involve a Day 2 pick. However, the Saints need as many draft picks as possible to fill numerous roster holes this offseason.
New Orleans could make the finances work. It would take some creative financial juggling of current contracts, but the Saints are among the league's best at doing just that. Trading for Carr, at his current contract, would indicate that he's the franchise's answer at quarterback for the immediate future.
Could Derek Carr be the next quarterback for the New Orleans Saints? We might find out the answer to that question in a matter of just two weeks.
