Despite everything, Derek Carr of the Saints still has a chance to make good on his time in New Orleans. He played well for the Saints in the second half of the season, persevered through injuries, and led the team to a 9-8 record. It’s possible that he was just one injury and a 17-point comeback by the Packers in Week 3 away from winning the NFC South and the Buccaneers’ postseason spot.
This summer, Carr’s deal was restructured to push forward part of his outstanding money ($100 million of his four years, with $150 million guaranteed). This essentially reduced the franchise’s salary limit amount and tied Carr to the team for 2024 and 2025. However, there’s always a way out in the NFL.
Additionally, if things don’t work out in New Orleans and the division gets better—Tampa won’t get any worse, and the Falcons and Panthers will be stronger—the Saints might be ready to take some of Carr’s money and move on. especially if Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, who the Saints have previously expressed interest in signing, hits the open market.
The Saints are one of the clubs reportedly considering a bid for Prescott in the upcoming offseason, according to the contract database Spotrac.
This week, contract analyst Mike Ginnitti brought attention to the Saints-Prescott relationship on the “Spotrac Podcast,” saying, “The Saints are going to move on from Derek Carr after this season, that’s a great candidate.” The previous time these contract-related issues arose, there was a relationship.
Derek Carr of the Saints Faces Pressure in 2024
Naturally, there are a lot of “ifs” in relation to the Saints’ possible pursuit of Prescott. Once more, there are good reasons to think the squad can win the division, particularly considering how well it played in the final five weeks of 2023.
The NFL analysis website Sharp Football predicts the Saints to have the fifth-easiest schedule in the league based on predicted win totals, thus the schedule is not too tough. A lot will depend on how fast the offense learns new coordinator Klint Kubiak’s concepts. Pete Carmichael was retained by the Saints following Sean Payton’s departure, and Kubiak was hired away from the 49ers to replace him.
Carr has put a lot of effort into getting used to Kubiak’s system this offseason, knowing full well that this is going to be his final season with the organization.
“I have nothing but praise for Carr,” Kubiak stated, as reported by GulfLive.com. From his academic approach to his professional demeanor. He has the desired mentality, is very coachable, and is tough on both himself and his teammates.
In 2025, a Lot of Teams Might Chase Dak Prescott
Even yet, the Saints would need to be intrigued by the Prescott option if Carr fails to meet expectations. However, there is a significant “if” involved as well: if the Cowboys allow Prescott to leave without offering him a new contract.
It appears more likely than not that Prescott, whose four-year, $160 million contract expires in March, will become a free agent. He has no reason to sign right now.
“Dude, don’t even pick up the phone anymore—you gotta let this go to free agency, you gotta get nine offers, you gotta let this happen,” Ginnitti remarked in reference to the agents’ apparent calls to him. “That’s the true approach to make the most of all he is doing at the moment. Everything else is on his side; he’s done everything else correctly, even the voids and no-tags. I think it would be absurd to delay the transition to free agency.
The Saints would have to defeat other teams, notably the Cowboys, but also probably the Raiders, Giants, Seahawks, and more, if free agency is allowed to occur. One more significant “if.” However, it’s probable that New Orleans will be included at least.
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