Derek Carr decided to New Orleans Saints instead of the New York Jets, but the Saints have to make a few more moves in order for Carr to have success.
Derek Carr decided not to play in the cold weather city in favor of a dome. The former Fresno State signal caller will sign a four-year deal according to NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo. Saints fans may be a bit conflicted about bringing in yet another NFL vet. Jameis Winston didn’t pan out because of injuries, while Taysom Hill was more of a gadget player who could spot-start. Of course, Andy Dalton was never going to be the answer—Carr is different. Sports media, like Stephen A. Smith, mocked the move as nothing, but the Saints got a vastly underrated quarterback.
In nine seasons on a franchise with a revolving door of coaches and offensive coordinators, Carr totaled 35,222 passing yards, 217 touchdowns, and 99 interceptions. The Raiders went 63-79 in 142 starts by the QB. However, the numbers don’t tell the full story.
Carr has shown he’s a leader during his days in Vegas. During a tumultuous season where Jon Gruden got fired, Carr helped his team into the playoffs under long-time special teams coach Rich Bisaccia. As a talent, Carr has in-pocket athleticism that allows him to escape would-be tacklers and plays on the move. He has a big arm with good accuracy and can make big-time throws in tight windows. Having Alvin Kamara in the backfield will help Carr. If Michael Thomas is healthy along with Chris Olave, Carr would have some excellent weapons at wide receiver. However, Carr won’t have success if the Saints don’t continue to build around him.
Moves the New Orleans Saints must make after signing Derek Carr
4. Keep the defense intact
On the defensive side of the ball, the Saints are good. They’ll probably end up having some cap casualties, but Cam Jordan should not and will not be one of them. If they traded Jordan, it saves only $2.2 million against the salary cap. Instead, they should look to extend Jordan and create more cap space. Their defensive line is taking a hit with David Onyemata and Marcus Davenport both being free agents. They’ll need to address the defensive line in the draft, which means Jordan’s presence is a necessity they cannot afford to lose. Drafting a defensive tackle is a must and getting a post-June 1 cut should be the net move.
They could use their first three picks on a corner, given how deep this draft is with scheme-specific corners. A player like Deonte Banks is a long corner with mirror ability who will probably be available on Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft. DJ Turner is another guy ideally suited for the Saints’ defense. He’s a sticky corner who can line up inside or out. His floor is a solid No. 2 corner with star potential. Carr’s addition should help the offense, but the Saints should continue to build their defense, by keeping their guys and adding linemen in the draft.
3. Bolster the backfield
Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram were the most notable names in the backfield, and that’s not a good thing. Kamra could face a suspension and Ingram is a free agent. They will not bring him back, so the Saints need to look for a Plan B. Upgrading the backup running back position is the next step to ensure their success. If Kamars misses time, they’ll need a back that can come in and make plays in the passing game.
Kareem Hunt would be an ideal fit for the Saints since he can come in right away and do exactly what Kamara can do. He’s capable of carrying the load at times and we all know how dangerous is out of the backfield. Rashaad Penny is a guy who could be an attractive back to the Saints if they can’t lore Hunt to the team.
They need to double down and get a guy in the draft. Speed is the first thing that comes to mind with a player like Devon Achane. The Texas A&M running back has some size concerns. However, he comes in with excellent speed and creativity in the backfield. He runs hard and fearlessly between the tackles and has quick cuts that can cause problems for defenders. He has a talent for finding pathways in tight spaces and can outrun defenders on the outside. Achane is also versatile and can line up in the slot to beat coverage with his route-running ability.
2. Re-sign Jarvis Landry
Derek Carr’s arrival means the Saints have a quarterback who doesn’t have a history filled with injuries like Jameis Winston. Unfortunately, the Saints haven’t had any wideouts that could stay healthy either, Jarvis Landry was one of them. After back-to-back disappointing seasons, Landry is looking to have a bounce-back ear in 2023. The Saints should be the team that gives him that chance. Landry, when healthy, is one of the best slot receivers in the NFL. Landry isn’t a speed guy, but he does a lot of things well for a team like the Saints.
Throughout his career, Landry has shown his ability to pick up yards after the catch. He is a tough runner who can break tackles and turn short receptions into big gains. Chirs Olave will man one side while Michael Thomas mans the other. The combination of the three could help the Saints dominate in a weak NFC South division. He also knows the system which could help Carr’s acclimation to the Saints an easier process.
The former Miami Dolphin and Cleveland Brown has excellent hands, yards-after-catch ability, and leadership skills. Bringing him back to the Saints would be one of the best decisions for the team and Derek Carr.
1. Add a tight end in the 2023 NFL Draft
One missing link in the Saints’ offense is a tight end. Peter Carmichael is on the hot seat next season, but he’ll need another weapon for this offense to flourish. The 2023 NFL Draft is loaded with tight ends who can come in and contribute right away. We’ve seen Carr’s connection through the years with Darren Waller, so adding a flex type of tight end would do wonders. Two guys that make sense are Michael Mayer and Dalton Kincaid. Both will probably be drafted in the second or third round.
Mayer is the best tight end in this class by a mile. Given how late the Saints draft, they could consider taking him in round one. He’s a ready-now player who can contribute in every facet. He has been highly productive at Notre Dame and is ahead of the curve as far as NFL tight ends are concerned. Mayer has soft hands, excellent ball skills, graceful body control, and effective route-running. He is comfortable playing in tight and has good functional strength as a blocker. Mayer should become a trusted target for his quarterback and a staple on the roster for the team that drafts him.
Kincaid is more of a true Day 2 prospect with upside, possessing a combination of athleticism, route-running ability, strong hands, and excellent ball skills. He is a smooth route runner who can run an extensive route tree, making him a threat at all levels of the field. Kincaid’s proficiency at the catch point is one of his greatest assets in the passing game. He has great body control and concentration, consistently making contested catches with ease.
Another possibility is Georgia’s tight end Darnell Washington. At 6’7″ 280 pounds, he’s a physical freak with excellent hands, athleticism, and strength. Either of these tight ends with Michael Thomas, Chris Olave, and Jarvis Landry makes them dangerous.