Derek Carr #4 of the New Orleans Saints
Heading into the offseason, the New Orleans Saints had several areas of concern to address, but one position that was not a priority was quarterback. The team was set at quarterback with Derek Carr entering his second year with the Saints. Carr had signed a lucrative four-year, $150 million deal with the team the previous offseason, ensuring his presence for the next three seasons.
While Carr’s first year in New Orleans was somewhat disappointing due to injuries, he still managed to start all 17 games and deliver solid performances. He completed 68.4% of his passes for 3,878 yards, 25 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Despite Carr’s efforts, the Saints finished the season with a 9-8 record, missing out on the playoffs.
Looking ahead to the 2024 season, the Saints are in a comfortable position at quarterback. In a recent article for Bleacher Report assessing each team’s quarterback situation heading into the 2024 NFL Draft, Brad Gagnon rated the Saints’ situation as “low” on the panic meter. This rating reflects the team’s confidence in Derek Carr. However, Gagnon also noted that the situation could deteriorate quickly, hinting at potential challenges ahead for the Saints.
The New Orleans Saints’ Quarterback Conundrum: Potential Challenges Ahead.
Gagnon did not provide a specific explanation for why the situation in the New Orleans quarterback room could potentially turn sour, but it is reasonable to infer potential reasons. The Saints have invested significant financial resources in Derek Carr over the next few years. If Carr fails to perform at a high level in the upcoming season and does not demonstrate that he is the long-term solution at quarterback, the Saints could face significant challenges.
Firstly, the team would be burdened with a large financial commitment to Carr. Additionally, if Carr does not prove himself as the quarterback of the future, the Saints would be left without a viable option at quarterback. In the NFL, having a reliable quarterback is crucial for success. Furthermore, the Saints are expected to lose many of their core veteran players over the next couple of years, further complicating their situation.
In summary, if Carr fails to deliver, the Saints could be left with a costly contract and no clear solution at quarterback, putting them in a difficult position as they face the potential loss of key veteran players.
