The New Orleans Saints’ season ended after Week 18. With a 5-12 record, they were no where near the postseason. However, with Super Bowl 59 being held in New Orleans, at the home stadium of the Saints, the team was somewhat relevant throughout Super Bowl week. As the host city, players and front office members were out and about all week.
One person that was noticeably absent was starting quarterback Derek Carr. Carr is coming off year two with the Saints, and it hasn’t been a particularly great run so far. With his presence not mandatory for the week’s festivities, he decided to skip out on them. That decision by him drew a lot of criticism from Saints fans.
As guys like Alvin Kamara, Cam Jordan, Tyrann Mathieu, Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, and many more— even former Saints quarterback Jameis Winston —represented the team and city, some fans argued that Carr’s absence spoke volumes.
Kind of crazy to see everyone from Drew Brees and Reggie Bush to Mark Ingram, Bryan Bresee, and Blake Grupe doing more to promote New Orleans during Super Bowl week than Derek Carr. Jameis Winston too. He must've been in a hurry to get back home to Fresno.
— John Sigler (@john_siglerr) February 7, 2025
Derek Carr’s absence from Super Bowl week leads to criticism from Saints fans
It became a frequently discussed topic on social media in the days leading up to the Super Bowl, because current and former New Orleans players were out and about. Both young quarterbacks on the roster, Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler, were also a part of that group. With Carr being the starter, and the presumed leader, his presence would’ve been welcomed.
However, he was nowhere to be seen, and some fans think that’s because his time in New Orleans is coming to an end. He and the franchise are definitely at a crossroads, and the team must decide if they want to carry him and his expensive contract into this new era. With Kellen Moore likely being hired as the next coach, he’ll certainly have a large say in the decision since he is an offensive-minded coach.
Whatever it is the team decides, fans have made their opinion on Derek Carr known, so it’s safe to assume the outcome most Saints fans are hoping for.