Sounds like the Saints plan to keep Derek Carr at QB…
The New Orleans Saints are making it clear that they have confidence in their quarterback, Derek Carr, as they look to build a team that can contend for championships in the coming seasons. Carr, who joined the Saints in 2023 after a long career with the Las Vegas Raiders, has faced plenty of scrutiny during his first year with New Orleans, but it appears that the organization is committed to him as the leader under center for the foreseeable future.
The arrival of Carr was seen as a fresh start for the Saints, as they looked to move on from the legendary Drew Brees era. While Brees’ retirement left a significant hole in the offense, Carr’s signing was supposed to offer a stable, experienced presence at the most important position in football. However, despite showing flashes of promise, Carr’s first season in New Orleans was filled with ups and downs, as the Saints struggled to find consistency on both sides of the ball.
In recent weeks, however, the Saints’ front office and coaching staff have indicated that they see Carr as their franchise quarterback and plan to build the offense around him moving forward. This marks a shift in strategy for the team, which has been on the hunt for stability at the quarterback position since Brees’ departure.
Derek Carr’s First Year with the Saints
Carr’s inaugural season in New Orleans was a mixture of promise and frustration. While he put up respectable numbers in passing yards, touchdowns, and completions, there were also inconsistencies that led to questions about his ability to lead the team to victory. His performances were often overshadowed by an offense that struggled to maintain rhythm, compounded by an injury-plagued offensive line and lackluster production from the skill players around him.
Carr showed resilience in leading the team through some difficult moments, but the Saints ended the season with a mediocre record, missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year. Still, the front office remains confident that Carr has what it takes to lead the Saints back to prominence.
Commitment to Carr: What’s Next?
While there has been some speculation about whether the Saints might consider drafting a new quarterback or pursuing another option, the team’s decision to double down on Carr is clear. The front office has voiced its support for Carr, pointing to the experience he brings and his ability to perform under pressure.
One of the main reasons for the Saints’ commitment to Carr is his leadership. Despite a rocky first season, Carr has displayed the poise, professionalism, and work ethic that are crucial for the quarterback position. The Saints are hoping that with more time, the chemistry between Carr and his receiving corps will improve, and that the offensive line will offer more protection. They are also banking on the fact that Carr’s experience will help him overcome the learning curve of adjusting to a new system.
Moreover, the Saints plan to build around Carr’s strengths. The team has a strong offensive coaching staff, and with the addition of Luke McCown as bench coach, the Saints are hoping that they can build a more cohesive and balanced attack in the coming years. If McCown, along with head coach Dennis Allen, can help improve the offensive line play and create more opportunities for Carr to thrive, it’s possible that the veteran quarterback can get the team back on track.
The Saints also have some intriguing weapons in their offense, such as wide receiver Chris Olave and running back Alvin Kamara, both of whom are capable of making a big impact. If Carr can develop better chemistry with these playmakers, it could go a long way in improving the offensive production. Additionally, the team is expected to continue adding pieces through free agency and the draft, which could further bolster the talent around Carr.
The Big Picture: Can Carr Lead the Saints Back to Glory?
The Saints’ future hinges largely on the development of Derek Carr. If he can find more consistency and reduce his turnover rate, the Saints have the potential to compete in a wide-open NFC South. The division has been a roller coaster in recent years, and New Orleans is hoping that with the right leadership, they can take control.
Carr’s success in New Orleans will also depend on the continued evolution of the coaching staff and their ability to put him in the best position to succeed. The combination of McCown’s fresh perspective and the experience of Carr could be a recipe for success in 2025 and beyond.
In conclusion, the Saints’ commitment to Derek Carr is a statement of their belief in his ability to lead the franchise forward. Though the path ahead may not be without its challenges, the franchise is placing its trust in Carr to take them back to playoff contention. With a supportive coaching staff, a talented roster, and the lessons learned from his first season in New Orleans, Carr has the opportunity to prove that he’s the right quarterback to help restore the Saints to their winning ways. Time will tell if the Saints’ faith in Carr will pay off, but for now, New Orleans is betting on him to guide the team back to glory.
