This has been an eventful year for the New Orleans Saints, and for very many good reasons. Of course, fans remember the 2-0 start and how much fun that was. Yet, it was short-lived as the team has since gone on to lose seven games in a row.
Over the last few days, the Saints have opted to make two notable moves, parting ways with cornerback Marshon Lattimore via trade, for one. Lattimore was dealt to the Washington Commanders after finding his name in trade rumors for quite some time, now.
Just before dealing Lattimore, the Saints also made the decision to fire head coach Dennis Allen. Speaking of a move that's been in the works for quite some time, it came far too late for many fans, but it happened, nonetheless.
As the Saints look ahead not only to the remainder of this season, but to future seasons, one can't help but wonder if this team is going to finally strip everything down and quit making the same-old, procrastinating-type of financial decisions that keeps them in a bind.
Pushing money down the road and simply not being wise with their finances, the Saints will see this catch up to them eventually. And now, after firing Allen, it might be time for a total reset.
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Following the trade deadline, ESPN NFL insiders Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler put together a lengthy column with many different subjects; all current things they're either hearing or presuming. When it came time to talk New Orleans, there were many aspects to that segment.
One of the most intriguing? The future of quarterback Derek Carr.
The Saints may end up parting with Derek Carr during the 2025 offseason
"The Saints have a chance to look a lot different in 2025. Carr has $10 million in guaranteed money next season, so it's not out of the question he'll be back. But with a new coaching staff coming in, odds are they take a loss there too and move on," wrote Graziano.
If the Saints went ahead and moved on from Carr, that would leave them with Jake Hoener and Spencer Rattler in the quarterback room; neither of whom appear to be franchise-worthy at the moment. That would likely mean this team is in on drafting a quarterback next year, or going through one of those tough-but-necessary seasons that sees them completely tear it down.
Carr's cap hit in 2025 is over $51 million and the Saints will only truly save a little over $1 million against the cap if they chose to cut him, so it is going to be interesting to see what they decide to do. Carr might be the type of quarterback another team looks at as their missing piece or a strong bridge for a top rookie, if he doesn't stay around in New Orleans.
For now, he'll obviously finish out the 2024 season and Saints fans will hope for the best. But, it's going to be difficult not to look ahead with the way this year has gone, to this point.