The New Orleans Saints are entering the offseason with many questions, including the future of quarterback Derek Carr. Despite having two years remaining on his four-year, $150 million contract, Carr has stated that he is unwilling to take a pay cut to remain with the team. However, he is open to restructure his contract to help the team.
Carr has been having “super positive” conversations with the front office about his future, but is currently focused on getting fully healthy after missing the final four games of the season due to a broken non-throwing hand. He believes his performance over the last two seasons, during which he completed 67.7% of his passes with 15 touchdowns and five interceptions, merits keeping his current contract.
The Saints are in a tough spot with Carr’s contract, as he currently has a $51.46 million salary cap figure for 2025, with $30 million in base salary that becomes fully guaranteed if he is on the roster on the third day of the new league year in March. The team is significantly over the projected salary cap for 2025 and will need to restructure contracts or release players to become compliant.
The new head coach will likely play a significant role in determining Carr’s future with the team. The Saints have requested head coaching interviews with several candidates, including Lions DC Aaron Glenn, Giants OC Mike Kafka, and Eagles OC Kellen Moore. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi, who will also interview for the head coaching position, expressed confidence in Carr’s abilities and believes the quarterback can still bring value to the team.
Carr’s imminent contract restructure is all but certain, but his willingness to stay with the team depends on the new head coach and their vision for the franchise.
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