Derek Carr will have a ticking clock in his second season with the Saints

Just a year ago, in March of the 2023 offseason, Derek Carr signed a four-year deal worth $150 million with the New Orleans Saints. After nine years with the Raiders, the four-time Pro Bowl quarterback was released by Vegas but quickly landed on his feet in New Orleans. Considering how his time ended with the Raiders, his deal with the Saints was a bit shocking. Nevertheless, New Orleans committed to Carr as its quarterback.

Now, a season later, Carr is still QB1 for the Saints, but it would be dishonest to say that his status is standing on solid foundation. Sure, there isn’t really anyone on the roster that will push him out of the starting role, but everyone is already wondering who will be Carr’s successor, and when his time in New Orleans will end.

This is the case because of how things unfolded in his first season with the team. He didn’t have a terrible year by any means. However, he also didn’t make the kind of statement performance that would secure his status as the franchise’s quarterback for the foreseeable future. While battling injuries, Carr started all 17 games, completing 68.4% of his passes for 3,878 yards, 25 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions. Additionally, the Saints finished 9-8 and missed the postseason.

In year two in New Orleans, Carr has to take things to another level, or it’s going to get loud.

Derek Carr must take things to another level in 2024

Carr will be challenged with having a new offensive coordinator, as Klint Kubiak replaced Pete Carmichael Jr. this offseason. While learning a new system is never fun, Kubiak should help Carr and the offense have more success, and that’s always the end goal.

If he can remain healthy, and the Saints can find their way back to the top of the NFC South and the playoffs, Carr will likely remain in New Orleans beyond the 2024 season. However, another underwhelming year could result in Carr finding another home.

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