The Jets will not have Aaron Rodgers in the fold next season, meaning the team is committed to moving in a new direction under center. The Saints also have a notable call to make regarding their veteran quarterback. 
Derek Carr is on the books for the next two years, and his compensation for the coming season represents a potential sticking point for New Orleans. A $10MM roster bonus is due for 2025, and early in the new league year next month the 33-year-old’s $30MM base salary is set to vest. A decision will need to be made before that point as a result.
Given the inconsistent nature of Carr’s two seasons to date (not to mention that fact he was limited to 10 games in 2024), the Saints could look to move on. In the event that were to take place, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network notes a market would likely exist for Carr’s services (video link). No commitment either way has been made at this point, something which obviously remain the case until a head coaching hire is made.
General manager Mickey Loomis said last month the team’s next HC will have a say in deciding how the organization proceeds with Carr. The longtime Raider is by far the most experienced option on New Orleans’ depth chart, but turning to Spencer Rattler or Jake Haener would allow for the Saints to operate with a much less expensive QB starter. Considering the fact the team is once again projected to be well over the salary cap, financial savings would certainly be welcomed at any position. Carr has made it clear he is not prepared to accept a pay cut.
The Saints are of course the only team in the NFL without a head coach at the moment, but that will likely change shortly. Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore is universally expected to be hired when New Orleans is allowed to bring him into the fold (i.e. any time after tonight’s Super Bowl). The former Cowboys and Chargers OC played as a quarterback, and expectations will be high for the Saints’ offense in general and the team’s play at that position in particular provided he is hired. A key decision will need to be made by Moore and Co. shortly after his (presumed) arrival, though.
As Garafolo notes, the pending free agent quarterback class is not well regarded. Aside from Sam Darnold, the likes of Rodgers, Justin Fields, Russell Wilson and – in the likely event the Falcons cut bait this offseason – Kirk Cousins are the top veteran options suitors will have to choose from. Especially with the crop of 2025 rookies viewed as lacking in clear-cut franchise passers, Carr could be a suitable short-term addition in the eyes of at least some suitors.
A Carr trade before June 1 would create over $11MM in cap savings for the Saints, but it would generate a dead money charge of more than $40MM. Waiting until after that date to trade (or, for that matter, release) him would be much more beneficial from a financial perspective. A direction will need to be chosen along a much shorter timeline, however, so it will be interesting to see how the Saints proceed.
The Colts should consider this. Easy to move on if it doesn’t work out.
Jets, back with the D Adams
Carr and Davante back to the Raiders
This could be a way for the Jets to retain Davante Adams if they trade for him.
I wanted Carr on the Jets two years ago. Wouldn’t have cost a single draft pick. Stupid Woody Johnson!
Send him to titans with Davante from jets
Saints need a total rebuild!
There is absolutely no reason for New Orleans to move on from Carr, unless the plan is to just be as terrible as possible. When he was healthy last season, the Saints played pretty well. I know durability is an important factor, too, but last season was a little out of the norm for him with the injuries. At the very least, play it out for another season and see how it goes. The division is very winnable with Carr.
It probably is the plan to tank. Just think of the publicity if Arch is good enough and he land in New Orleans. A chance to lead grandads team…. Who knows if after a full season if Arch is number one pick worthy. Guess we will see.
“unless the plan is to just be as terrible as possible.”
Not a bad plan, honestly. They’ve kicked the can on their cap woes for so long and they’ve just been spinning their wheels in mediocrity. Trading Carr could be a huge help and they’re not exactly Super Bowl contenders. They’ve needed a full tear down since Brees left.
It looks like there is 30 million reasons. Team has t o find ways to get under the cap.
Wish him luck whoever ends up raider for life
The Raiders were fortunate that Carr was a very durable player back then. The rest of their QB depth chart consisted of Mike Glennon, Nathan Peterman and DeShone Kizer.
Comical headline