Derek Carr's Challenging 2024 Season with the New Orleans Saints
A Rollercoaster Year for Carr
Derek Carr's 2024 season with the New Orleans Saints was anything but smooth sailing. After signing an impressive four-year, $150 million contract in 2023, expectations were high for the veteran quarterback. Unfortunately, an assortment of injuries sidelined him for seven games, with the most debilitating being a broken hand that benched him for the final four matchups of the season.
In the games he did manage to play, Carr's performance was a mixed bag. He finished the season with a balanced record of 5-5 as the Saints' starting QB. Over the course of those games, Carr recorded 15 touchdowns against five interceptions and averaged 214.5 passing yards per game. Although he consistently added points to the board, he struggled to hit the 300-yard passing mark in any single game.
Financial and Strategic Challenges Ahead
As the Saints look ahead to 2025, they have a significant financial hurdle to overcome. With Carr's contract set to count a hefty $51.45 million against the team's salary cap, the Saints are projected to be nearly $67 million over the cap. This not only makes them the team with the greatest cap challenge but also puts them significantly ahead of the next closest team, which is only $22 million over. Such financial constraints may necessitate strategic roster decisions, possibly including contract restructures.
Addressing speculation about his contract, Carr acknowledged the complexities of NFL finances. He remarked, "I wouldn't take a pay cut... Would I restructure? Absolutely. I'll always help the team that way. But... you're trying to get everything you can for your family for it." Carr’s willingness to restructure reflects his team-player mentality, balancing personal interests with the team’s needs.
Confidence Despite Criticism
Despite the ups and downs of the season, Carr remains optimistic and confident in his capabilities. He candidly expressed his thoughts on the pressures quarterbacks face, saying, "That's the life of a quarterback... whenever the season doesn't end the way [you wanted] that's the person people look at... I'm fully confident with what I put on tape." His confidence extends to his future, as he noted, "I'm super confident that whatever it is, I could get anywhere else to play."
Carr's unwavering assurance seems to be a testament to his resilience and experience in the league. Moving forward, while the Saints grapple with financial hurdles and strategize for a better season, Carr's confidence and openness to restructuring could play a pivotal role in the team’s plans. His words echo a seasoned athlete who understands both the sport and the business side of the game, possibly hinting at more changes on the horizon.