The 2024 season was another disappointment for the New Orleans Saints, finishing with just five wins and missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year. Among the various issues plaguing the team, three players—Derek Carr, Cam Jordan, and Jamaal Williams—stood out for not living up to their contracts and expectations.
Derek Carr
The Saints’ decision to sign Derek Carr to a substantial contract after the 2022 season is now viewed as a misstep. Carr’s performance in 2024 was inconsistent, and he missed seven games due to injury. In the 10 games he started, Carr threw for 2,145 yards, 15 touchdowns, and five interceptions, while being sacked eight times. Although Carr showed flashes of competence, his overall play was below the level expected of a high-earning quarterback. Despite his struggles, Carr was still considered better than some alternatives, but his hefty contract has become a burden.
Cam Jordan
Cam Jordan, a long-time cornerstone of the Saints’ defense, has seen his performance decline over the past two seasons. Once a dominant force, Jordan managed only six sacks combined in the last two years, signaling a significant drop in productivity. While his 2024 salary was relatively modest, his 2025 cap hit of $20 million makes him an expensive liability. The Saints may be hoping for Jordan to retire to avoid the financial impact of his declining play.
Jamaal Williams
The signing of Jamaal Williams has been a major disappointment. After a standout 2022 season with the Lions, where he scored 17 rushing touchdowns, Williams failed to replicate that success with the Saints. In two seasons, he has only rushed for 470 yards and two touchdowns. The Saints anticipated Williams complementing Alvin Kamara in the backfield, but the duo failed to deliver. With the ability to exit Williams’ contract this offseason, the Saints will likely cut ties and move on.
Conclusion
The struggles of these three players highlight broader issues within the Saints organization, particularly in decision-making and contract management. Carr’s underperformance, Jordan’s decline, and Williams’ lack of impact are emblematic of the team’s challenges. The Saints face tough decisions moving forward, including whether to continue kicking the salary cap down the road or finally commit to a rebuild. A rebuild might mean short-term pain, but it could set the stage for a more competitive future.
