Over his nine years with the Las Vegas Raiders, Derek Carr has established a great deal of credibility with the squad. As a result, the squad supported him during some difficult times.
He lacks the New Orleans Saints’ level of credibility, though. After Drew Brees retired, the club faltered, and he was meant to help them get back on track. Rather, Carr has missed the playoffs both of the previous two seasons and has a 14–13 record in starts with the Saints.
This summer, New Orleans is changing their head coach, and it’s possible that the new coach won’t appreciate Carr’s contributions. Carr was ranked first on Bleacher Report’s list of all quarterbacks on the hot seat in 2025 by Maurice Moton.
In a column published on January 15, Moton stated that Carr would not be a good match for a team that might undergo a major squad overhaul under a new coaching staff as he enters his age-34 term. “The Saints may have a quick hook for him in 2025 if the new coaches don’t think he’s doing enough to uplift his supporting cast.”
This season, the always resilient Carr missed seven games, which is undoubtedly the most in his career. If he hadn’t been hurt, the Saints’ season may have looked quite different.
It Will Be Hard to Move On From Carr
Carr was still much sought after in the league when he was released by the Raiders following the 2022 campaign. It’s difficult to believe that the quarterback is still as sought-after after two seasons.
Although he has thrown 40 touchdowns and 13 picks in 27 games with the Saints, he still struggles with the same problems that beset him with the Raiders. In addition, the Saints would incur a $50 million dead cap penalty if they cut him completely. Additionally, he said unequivocally that he would not accept a wage reduction following the season.
According to ESPN, Carr stated, “I wouldn’t take a pay cut.” Yes, it is not what I would do. particularly with what I recorded. Should I reorganize? Of course. That’s how I’ll always support the team. However, you deserve some of the stuff you put out there. Even if it may be worse in some circumstances, I was sure that signing it would provide the club with the most flexibility available at the moment.
The Saints could be trapped since it’s doubtful that a team will trade for him given his contract.
Would the Raiders Think About Reuniting with Carr?
There ought to be some league interest in Carr if the Saints decide to cut him. The New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers would probably contact him, depending on the outcome of the draft.
The Raiders are one club that may be intriguing, though. They will struggle to choose a quarterback because they currently lack one. Carr can sign for the veteran minimum if the Saints are paying him a lot to not play for them, but $40+ million a year is too much.
The decision-makers who moved on from Carr are long gone, and the Raiders could do much worse. Though doubtful, it is still feasible that he may return to the team for which he has all of the passing records.
