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Derek Carr will lead New Orleans Saints to NFC South title in 2023

By Loyal Ricks Jr

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 30: Andy Dalton #14 of the New Orleans Saints and Derek Carr #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders greet each other at mid-field after a game at Caesars Superdome on October 30, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 30: Andy Dalton #14 of the New Orleans Saints and Derek Carr #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders greet each other at mid-field after a game at Caesars Superdome on October 30, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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It’s been a busy off-season for franchises in the NFL. We’ve seen coaches and players relocate – creating a new look around the league. A new wave of veteran quarterback availability has added a new dimension to the off-season hype. Lamar Jackson, Daniel Jones, Aaron Rodgers, and Jimmy Garoppolo are all possible options for teams willing to commit with cash in hand. On Monday, the New Orleans Saints announced their decision to invest in a reliable quarterback option.

The Saints haven’t had a reliable quarterback in a long time

Finding a consistent quarterback has been an issue for New Orleans. In 2020, the Saints decided to bring aboard Jameis Winston – a former first-round pick with something to prove. Since joining the Saints, Winston has failed to complete a season. His seven games played in 2021 were the most action he’s had in a New Orleans uniform.

While Winston battled injuries, Andy Dalton did his best to keep the Saints above water. Performances in 2022 were enough for New Orleans to finish with seven wins. He threw for 2,871 yards and recorded 18 touchdown passes – ranking 21st in quarterback rating at the end of the season.

A disappointing regular season forced New Orleans’ front office to consider the direction of their franchise. Inconsistencies at the quarterback position were detrimental, costing the franchise opportunities to advance to the postseason. Chris Olave, Alvin Kamara, and Rashid Shaheed are game-changers, and the Saints knew they needed to sign a quarterback that could complement their skillset.

Saints Sign Derek Carr to a 4 Year Deal worth $150M

On Monday, March 6th, the New Orleans Saints announced their decision to sign the first veteran quarterback of the off-season. They agreed to terms with Derek Carr – resulting in a four-year deal worth $150M. An extensive career with the Las Vegas Raiders provided the nine-year gunslinger a stage to showcase his desire to develop as a quarterback in the NFL.

An explosive sophomore season helped Fresno State’s former quarterback gain notoriety in the NFL. In 2015, Carr threw 32 touchdowns and averaged seven yards per completion. Since then, No. 4 has remained consistent. New Orleans’ new gunslinger has only thrown less than 22 touchdowns in a season just twice in nine years. He is not afraid to make a big play – something the Saints’ offense desperately needs.

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A veteran quarterback behind center will help the Saints reclaim the NFC South. Rival franchises need to fill spots on their roster this off-season- giving the advantage to the franchise that makes the most of their opportunities.

Signing Derek Carr was a good move by the New Orleans front office. While other teams wait for Aaron Rodgers and other veterans to make a decision, the Saints can begin working with their quarterback of the future.

Last-minute signing drama will be avoided, and the stresses of grooming a rookie gunslinger will be non-existent. If the Saints use their time wisely, their last transaction can take their franchise to new heights.

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