Derek Carr built significant credibility during his nine-year tenure with the Las Vegas Raiders, which allowed the team to stick with him through challenging periods.
However, Carr does not enjoy that same level of trust with the New Orleans Saints. Tasked with revitalizing the franchise following Drew Brees’ retirement, Carr has gone 14-13 as a starter over the past two seasons, failing to lead the Saints to the playoffs in either campaign.
With New Orleans undergoing a head coaching change this offseason, Carr’s future with the team appears uncertain. Maurice Moton of Bleacher Report highlighted quarterbacks on the hot seat for 2025, placing Carr at the top of the list.
“Going into his age-34 term, Carr may not be a fit for a team that could go through a significant roster rebuild under a new coaching staff,” Moton wrote in a Jan. 15 column. “If the incoming coaches don’t think he’s doing enough to uplift his supporting cast, the Saints may have a quick hook for him in 2025.”
This season, Carr missed seven games—the most in his career—which likely contributed to the Saints’ struggles. A healthier Carr might have altered their trajectory.
Moving On From Carr Presents Challenges
When the Raiders released Carr after the 2022 season, he garnered interest from multiple teams. Two years later, that demand seems to have dwindled.
Although his numbers with the Saints are solid—40 touchdowns and 13 interceptions across 27 games—the same issues that hindered him with the Raiders persist. Additionally, releasing Carr would result in a $50 million dead cap hit for New Orleans. The quarterback has also made it clear he won’t accept a pay cut.
“I wouldn’t take a pay cut,” Carr told ESPN. “Yeah, I wouldn’t do that. Especially with what I put on tape. Would I restructure? Absolutely. I’ll always help the team that way. But there’s some things that you put out there that you earned. Even in some cases, it could be even worse, but I felt confident when I signed it that this would give the team the best flexibility at the time.”
Given his contract, a trade seems unlikely, leaving the Saints in a difficult position.
Could the Raiders Consider Bringing Carr Back?
If the Saints release Carr, he would likely attract interest from quarterback-needy teams, such as the Pittsburgh Steelers or New York Jets, depending on how the draft unfolds.
One intriguing possibility is a return to the Raiders. With no clear quarterback solution and limited draft options, Carr could be a short-term fix. While his current $40+ million annual salary is prohibitive, if the Saints absorb the majority of his contract, Carr could sign for a veteran minimum deal.
The Raiders could do far worse, especially since the decision-makers responsible for parting ways with Carr are no longer with the team. While unlikely, a reunion with the franchise where he holds all passing records isn’t entirely out of the question.
