Prior to the 2017 season, Derek Carr signed a four-year, $150 million contract with the New Orleans Saints, but his early returns have not been favorable.
Carr’s rookie season saw the Saints finish just 9-8 and miss the playoffs despite playing in the dreadfully poor NFC South. Many have questioned whether New Orleans made a mistake by giving the quarterback such a large long-term contract.
Carr assures everyone, nevertheless, that by 2024, things will be different.
Carr said to Adam Schein on Mad Dog Sports Radio, “We’re just trying to build off of what we had last year.” The time we spend together, the ties that bind us, and our oneness. I had the impression that we were ten times further ahead of where we were going into this summer than we were the last one. And by that, I mean as a group, as a team, as a unit. the connections we have. It’s the ultimate team sport, where the team is what matters most. We are therefore attempting to improve on how last year concluded as we start this new year.
If that is indeed the case, the Saints ought to have little trouble making it back to the postseason the following winter.
In 2023, Carr started all 17 games. He completed 68.4% of his throws for 3,878 yards, 25 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, with a passer rating of 97.7.
Carr’s numbers indeed appear good on paper, but his big-play ability was lacking the previous season. In any case, not consistently.
In 2024, will the Saints able to win the NFC South?
The NFC South is undoubtedly a very competitive division, but will the Saints be able to defeat the Bucs to win the division?
Having re-signed all of its key free agents this offseason, including wide receiver Mike Evans and quarterback Baker Mayfield, the Buccaneers will undoubtedly not be taken lightly this season.
In addition, the Atlanta Falcons ought to be improved now that they have Kirk Cousins on board and have added Justin Simmons and Matthew Judon to their defense.
Although the Carolina Panthers finished just 2-15 the previous season, they should also be better.
Consequently, even if the NFC South is still the worst football division, it will undoubtedly be harder this year. The Saints haven’t added many players to their roster in the offseason, so it’s unclear if they will actually be any better when the season starts next month.
Derek Carr will need to improve his football game on a weekly basis, that much is certain.
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