The New Orleans Saints find themselves at a crossroads once again, with growing uncertainty surrounding the future of veteran quarterback **Derek Carr**. After a 2023 season that delivered modest results and failed expectations, new offseason developments have added a fresh layer of ambiguity to Carr’s role with the franchise. Despite arriving last year amid hopes of revitalizing the Saints’ offense, the results left fans and front office executives questioning whether he’s the long-term answer under center.
Now, entering the 2024 offseason, changes in coaching personnel, strategic shifts in offensive philosophy, and contract economics have collectively prompted a reevaluation of Carr’s role. While he remains under contract and continues working out with teammates, insiders suggest the team’s patience may be wearing thin. With the Saints narrowly missing a playoff berth and facing cap-space challenges, decisions must be made—sooner than later—on Carr’s future within the organization.
Saints QB Uncertainty: Key Information Overview
| Player: | Derek Carr |
| Team: | New Orleans Saints |
| Situation: | Future with team considered uncertain after offseason developments |
| Contract Status: | Under contract through 2026 |
| 2023 Season Stats: | 3,878 yards, 25 TDs, 8 INTs |
| New Coaching Changes: | New OC hired with focus on mobility and tempo |
| Backup QBs: | Jameis Winston (free agent), Taysom Hill (multi-role) |
What changed this year
Carr’s arrival in New Orleans was initially heralded as a stabilizing force. After years of post-Drew Brees experimentation, the Saints viewed the former Raiders quarterback as a bridge to relevance. But the marriage never truly hit stride. While Carr posted decent numbers—just shy of 4,000 yards with a respectable 25:8 touchdown-to-interception ratio—his play lacked consistency, especially in high-leverage game situations.
The 2023 Saints offense struggled to develop an identity, often relying heavily on field goals and failing to capitalize in the red zone. Head coach Dennis Allen, a long-time Carr supporter, remained committed publicly, but the front office has shown signs that it might be considering alternatives. The hiring of a new offensive coordinator known for designing fast-paced, spread attacks marks a subtle but key pivot in philosophy—one that may not favor the more stationary Carr.
Contract considerations and cap impact
Carr signed a **four-year, $150 million contract** in 2023, complete with a no-trade clause and significant guarantees. At face value, this might suggest a secure spot. However, the contract structure provides potential out-clauses and restructuring opportunities beginning in 2025.
The Saints face one of the tightest salary cap scenarios in the league, again exceeding the cap with several big contracts on the books. Carr’s cap hit ballooning in 2025 and 2026 could force a critical evaluation. Trading him post-June 1 this offseason could net considerable savings if the front office opts for a retool or rebuild. The dollars and sense are starting to make less sense in Carr’s case—especially if the system fit weakens further.
The impact of new coaching strategies
The Saints’ offseason addition of a new offensive coordinator brings a stylistic shift that may not align naturally with Carr’s strengths. The incoming coordinator has a proven track record of designing offenses around agile quarterbacks and incorporating more RPO (run-pass option) looks along with increased tempo. Carr, a more traditional pocket passer, may find these scheme adjustments challenging to execute.
In contrast, players like Taysom Hill—though not a conventional quarterback—offer flexibility in this type of system. While Hill is unlikely to be a Week 1 starter, his skill set illustrates the type of quarterback the staff may favor moving forward. That raises another question: Will the Saints target a more mobile quarterback in the 2024 draft or free agency, reducing Carr’s strategic value to the team?
Locker room reactions and leadership concerns
Carr is known for his leadership and professionalism, traits that earned him instant respect in the Saints’ locker room. However, sources close to the team have noted that while Carr is respected, he hasn’t connected with teammates in the same transcendent way as Brees once did. Leadership fatigue, inability to galvanize the unit during tough stretches, and missed opportunities in late-game drives have created quiet tension behind the scenes.
“He’s a pro’s pro, no doubt. But there were definitely moments this year where we thought the offense needed a different spark.”
— Placeholder quote, Team Insider
Veterans on both sides of the ball have reportedly voiced frustration over the team’s lack of offensive creativity and risk-taking. Whether Carr is solely to blame is debatable, but the quarterback usually shoulders that burden, rightly or not.
Potential replacements and contingency planning
If the Saints do decide to move on from Carr, there are options, though none will be seamless. Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill remain in the quarterback room for now, though Winston’s impending free agency complicates matters. The Saints hold a mid-first-round pick, making the selection of a developmental quarterback feasible if the right name drops.
Free agency options are limited, and trading for a higher-profile starter typically comes with significant cost. One possibility includes sticking with Carr for another year while drafting a mobile rookie quarterback to groom under the new offensive vision. This hybrid approach gives the team a way to transition without detonating the current roster’s continuity.
Winners and losers from the uncertainty
| Winners | Losers |
|---|---|
| Taysom Hill (may see expanded role) | Derek Carr (job security under threat) |
| Potential rookie QB (better long-term fit) | Saints’ offense (lacks direction) |
| Salary cap strategists | Saints wide receivers (uncertain QB play) |
What Carr needs to prove in 2024
If Carr remains with the Saints, he’ll need to show visible improvement in several areas. These include converting more red zone opportunities, improving chemistry with key receivers like **Chris Olave** and **Michael Thomas**, and reducing inefficiencies on third down. Perhaps most importantly, he must show he can adapt to a new-look offensive system that rewards mobility, tempo, and quick reads—all elements that haven’t historically been his strong suits.
Time isn’t on Carr’s side. With each passing offseason development that suggests a shift from traditional quarterbacking, his window narrows. Yet, a resurgent 2024 could silence critics and buy him more time in New Orleans.
FAQs about Derek Carr’s Saints future
Is Derek Carr still under contract with the Saints?
Yes, Carr signed a four-year contract in 2023 and remains under contract through the 2026 season.
Can the Saints trade Derek Carr this offseason?
They can, but Carr has a no-trade clause. A trade would require his approval and likely only occur post-June 1 for cap relief.
Why is Derek Carr’s future in doubt?
New offensive system changes, cap constraints, and underwhelming performance have all contributed to questioning his long-term fit.
Does Carr fit the new offensive coordinator’s system?
Not ideally. The new OC prefers a faster, more mobile quarterback, which does not align with Carr’s skill set.
Will the Saints draft a quarterback in 2024?
It’s possible. The team could start grooming a young, mobile QB to transition away from Carr in the future.
What are Derek Carr’s 2023 stats with the Saints?
He threw for 3,878 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions during the 2023 season.
How is Carr viewed in the locker room?
He’s respected professionally but may not have fully won the locker room’s confidence as a leader during adversity.
What happens if Carr improves in 2024?
If Carr adapts and performs well in the new system, he could earn another year and potentially re-cement his role as starter.
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