In the words of Thanos, “Dread it, run from it, destiny arrives all the same”. It’s all but official at this point, that Derek Carr is signing with the New Orleans Saints. The Saints have maintained interest in signing Carr all offseason. Yesterday felt like it was going to be more of the same, with the Saints being in the mix to sign a top free agent only for them to lose it at the last second to another suitor. According to reports at the time, the New York Jets emerged as favorites to land Carr as the quarterback came away very impressed with them.
That didn’t happen this time around, for better or worse. ESPN’s Adam Schefter first broke the news on Twitter this morning:
“Saints have emerged as the front-runners to sign former Raiders’ QB Derek Carr and an agreement could be reached as early as today, per league sources.
Dennis Allen was Oakland’s head coach when the Raiders drafted Derek Carr in 2014, and the two now would reunite in New Orleans as the Saints’ HC-QB tandem.”
Dianna Russini and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport cemented Schefter’s reports with follow-up news that not only is Carr officially signing with the Saints, but he’s getting a 4-year deal on top of that. Yes, you heard that right. A 4-year deal.
It can be assumed that yesterday’s news was a tactic meant to push the Saints into offering him more money, which is very possible. The Saints reportedly made one final offer to Carr last night, and he slept on it. The 4x Pro-Bowler joins a weak NFC conference, and an even weaker NFC South division that has all four teams hurting for their next franchise QB.
Whether you like him or hate him, at the end of the day he’s the starting QB of the Saints. Dennis Allen gets his guy ahead of free agency, which is good. He also makes the Saints instant favorites to win their division as he’s the best QB in comparison to Desmond Ridder of the Falcons, Kyle Trask of the Buccaneers, and Sam Darnold of the Panthers.
The contract numbers have yet to be announced, but when they do, I’m sure Saints Twitter will react calmly and respectfully. Right?
Derek Carr is signing with the New Orleans Saints, per sources.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 6, 2023
The #Saints are giving their new QB Derek Carr a 4-year deal, source said. With a big QB number coming, they'll make it work with their cap situation.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 6, 2023
