The New Orleans Saints have made a significant move to keep quarterback Derek Carr on their roster for the upcoming seasons. This week, the team restructured Carr’s contract, allowing him to stay in New Orleans through 2025 while also helping the Saints manage their salary cap more effectively.
Understanding the Restructuring
This contract restructuring is important for both Carr and the Saints. By converting most of Carr’s salary for the next year into a signing bonus, the Saints have freed up nearly $30 million in salary cap space. This move is not just about numbers; it shows that the team is committed to keeping Carr as their starting quarterback.
Why Did Carr Turn Down a Pay Cut?
Derek Carr was offered a pay cut but decided to decline it. Instead, he secured a fully guaranteed salary of $40 million for this year. This decision reflects his confidence in his role as the team’s leader and his belief that he can contribute significantly, especially after a challenging 2023 season when injuries affected his performance.
A Positive Signal for the Saints
This restructured deal is a positive signal from the Saints, who struggled with a hefty salary cap issue, being over $39 million at one point. With this restructuring, they aim to be under the $270.2 million salary cap by the upcoming deadline. General Manager Mickey Loomis has expressed confidence in Carr, indicating that the team is looking to build its future around him.
What’s Next for Carr and the Saints?
While Carr’s immediate future with the Saints seems secure, his long-term position remains uncertain as the 2026 salary cap hit for Carr increases significantly to over $69 million. This drastic increase may prompt the Saints to reconsider their long-term plans as they look to the future, including potential quarterbacks in college or free agency.
Carr’s Performance and Leadership
In the 2023 season, Derek Carr played in 10 games due to a hand injury, and the Saints had a mixed record of 5-5 with him at quarterback. When he was on the field, his leadership and skills showed, allowing fans and the Saints organization to hope for better times ahead. While he has limited playoff experience with just one appearance, the Saints believe in his potential to guide the team to victories.
Key Facts About Carr’s Contract Restructuring
- The restructuring saves approximately $30 million in salary cap space.
- Carr will earn a fully guaranteed $40 million this year.
- His cap hit has decreased from $51.5 million to about $20.5 million this year.
- While Carr is set for 2025, the team can still consider drafting another quarterback.
- Carr’s 2026 cap hit is a hefty $69.2 million, leading to questions about his future.
The Bigger Picture for the Saints
This move also opens the door for the Saints to make crucial decisions as they head into the next NFL season. With the start of the league year just around the corner, having Carr locked in allows the team to explore other exciting avenues, such as free-agent signings or potential trades. Saints fans can hold on to a flicker of hope as the team continues to navigate its way toward a promising future.
Final Thoughts
Derek Carr’s structured contract with the Saints is more than just a financial adjustment; it’s a clear message about the team’s direction and commitment to their quarterback. As the Saints prepare for upcoming challenges, having Carr to lead them could be the key to improving their performance on the field. The fans are sure to be watching closely as both Carr and the Saints aim to turn their fortunes around in the next season.
