Derek Carr signed a four-year, $150 million contract with the New Orleans Saints just one year ago, in March of the 2023 offseason. After nine years with the Raiders, the four-time Pro Bowl quarterback was released by Vegas, but he instantly settled in New Orleans. Given how his career with the Raiders ended, his signing with the Saints was somewhat surprising. Nonetheless, New Orleans has committed to Carr as its quarterback.
A season later, Carr is still the Saints’ starting quarterback, but it would be dishonest to claim that his position is secure. Sure, there isn’t anyone on the roster who will challenge him for the starting job, but everyone is already wondering who will succeed Carr and when his time in New Orleans will end.
This is because of how things played out during his first season with the team. He did not have a bad year by any means. However, he did not deliver a standout performance that would guarantee his position as the franchise’s quarterback for the foreseeable future. Despite his injuries, Carr started all 17 games, completing 68.4% of his throws for 3,878 yards, 25 touchdowns, and only eight interceptions. Additionally, the Saints finished 9-8 and missed the playoffs.
In year two in New Orleans, Carr must take things to the next level, or things may get noisy.
Derek Carr must take things to the next level in 2024.
Carr will face the difficulty of working with a new offensive coordinator, Klint Kubiak, who replaced Pete Carmichael Jr. last offseason. While learning a new system is never enjoyable, Kubiak should help Carr and the offence achieve greater success, which is always the ultimate goal.
If he stays healthy and the Saints return to the top of the NFC South and the playoffs, Carr will most likely stay in New Orleans after the 2024 season. However, if Carr has another disappointing year, he may be forced to look for another home.
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