Derek Carr Refuses Pay Cut as Saints Face Cap Challenges
The New Orleans Saints have a lot of tough decisions to make this offseason, including their head coach and starting quarterback situation. One major question revolves around Derek Carr, who missed seven games in 2024—including the final four—due to a broken hand. Carr signed a four-year, $150 million contract with the Saints in 2023, and his cap hit for 2025 is set at $51.45 million. Given the Saints’ dire salary cap situation, many have wondered if Carr would consider taking a pay cut to help the team. His answer? A firm no.
“I wouldn’t take a pay cut,” Carr told ESPN. “Especially with what I put on tape. Would I restructure? Absolutely. I’ll always help the team that way. But there are things you earn, and even if situations change, I felt confident when I signed my deal that it provided the team with flexibility at the time. There’s a level of respect as a quarterback where you say, ‘We’re good, build the team.’ But no, I wouldn’t take less.”
The Saints’ Salary Cap Nightmare
Carr’s stance is significant because New Orleans currently has the worst salary cap situation in the NFL. The team is projected to be nearly $67 million over the cap in 2025—far more than any other franchise, with the second-worst team sitting at just $22 million over.
With such a financial crisis, a restructuring of Carr’s contract seems inevitable unless the Saints decide to cut him with a post-June 1 designation. That would allow them to spread his dead cap hit across two seasons, providing some relief.
Carr’s 2024 Performance and Criticism
Carr’s 2024 season was a mixed bag. He finished with a 5-5 record as a starter, throwing for 15 touchdowns and five interceptions while averaging 214.5 passing yards per game. He threw multiple touchdowns in just 30% of his starts and never eclipsed 300 yards passing in a single game.
His performance also drew criticism, most notably from former Saints receiver Michael Thomas. Following a Week 9 loss to the Carolina Panthers, Thomas took to social media to call Carr’s play “so ass,” further fueling debates about his future in New Orleans.
Carr’s Future with the Saints
Despite the financial strain, Carr says he has already had “super positive” discussions with the Saints about his role moving forward. However, he has made it clear that while he is open to restructuring his deal, he is not willing to take a pay cut.
“That’s the life of a quarterback,” Carr said. “When the season doesn’t go as planned, people look at you and say, ‘Where can we free up money?’ But I’m fully confident in what I put on tape. If things had to change, I know I could play anywhere else. I’m not worried about that. At the end of the day, I just want to win.”
With the Saints facing major financial and roster decisions, Carr’s future in New Orleans remains uncertain. Whether the team restructures his deal or looks for other options at quarterback, the offseason promises to be a pivotal one for both Carr and the franchise.
