The New Orleans Saints made the first big splash in free agency this offseason, signing former Raiders quarterback Derek Carr to a four-year, $150 million deal on Monday (March 6).
The deal, which includes $100 million in total guarantees, lands New Orleans the top available free agent quarterback. Coming off a 7-10 year with Andy Dalton at the helm, the Saints beat out the Jets and the Panthers for Carr’s services, as both teams reportedly made offers to the veteran signal-caller.
Got our guy.
The New Orleans #Saints have agreed to terms with QB Derek Carr! pic.twitter.com/F9Au1Uc59F
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) March 6, 2023
As the Raiders’ all-time career passing leader, Carr was a four-time Pro Bowl selection during his nine years with the franchise. Drafted by Oakland/Las Vegas back in 2014, he amassed four straight 4,000-yard seasons from 2018 to 2021 and led the Raiders to their only two playoff appearances since 2002.
In 2022, however, he was benched by head coach Josh McDaniels after completing just 60.8% of his passes and tying a career-high with 14 interceptions in 15 starts. He led the Raiders to a 6-9 record and was released by the team on Feb. 14 at the 31-year-old quarterback’s request.
Who dat ⚜️ pic.twitter.com/DIY8gBGuGu
— Derek Carr (@derekcarrqb) March 6, 2023
While Carr may be good for the Saints on the field, he gives them a huge hit towards the salary cap. Even with a slew of restructured contracts and special structuring in Carr’s deal, the Saints are still over $24 million above the cap, third-worst in the NFL according to Spotrac. With the Carr signing, the Saints are expected to move on from quarterback Jameis Winston, who ESPN’s Adam Schefter says could save New Orleans $12.8 million against the salary cap if he is released after June 1.
The signing reunites Carr with Saints head coach Dennis Allen, who previously coached the Raiders from 2012 to 2014 and was involved with the drafting of Carr as well as his immediate playing time as a rookie.
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