Derek Carr Set for 2025 as Saints Restructure Contract

NEW ORLEANS, La. — Derek Carr will remain the starting quarterback for the New Orleans Saints in 2025 after the team announced a restructuring of his contract aimed at clearing salary cap space. According to NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo on Saturday, the Saints will convert a large portion of Carr’s nearly $40 million salary into a signing bonus.

This move is seen as a clear indication that the Saints are committed to moving forward with Carr, despite concerns about his performance in previous seasons. Last year, Carr led the Saints to a 5-5 record in 10 games played, with a completion rate of 67.7%, throwing for 2,145 yards, 15 touchdowns, and five interceptions. The 33-year-old faced challenges, including significant injuries that sidelined him for a total of seven games.

“We believe we have a quarterback who can win games for us,” said Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis, emphasizing the organization’s confidence in Carr’s abilities as they navigate their financial constraints.

Last season, Carr struggled as the Saints’ starting quarterback. Since joining the team in 2023, he has posted a 14-13 record, leading the Saints to a playoff miss with a narrow 9-8 finish in his first year and a difficult follow-up season hampered by injuries. Carr’s offensive stats reflect potential; in 2023, he managed to helm a top-10 scoring offense.

The Saints’ struggles, however, were not solely on Carr’s shoulders. The receiving corps lacked depth, with only one of the top five reception leaders being a wide receiver, and he participated in just eight games.

Cap Compliance Ahead of New League Year

New Orleans must address their salary cap situation before the start of the new league year on March 12, as they were estimated to be about $39.5 million over the cap, the highest in the NFL. The restructuring of Carr’s contract is expected to alleviate some of this burden and provide financial flexibility during free agency.

This restructuring is particularly important as the NFL salary cap is projected to increase by nearly $30 million this offseason, allowing teams like the Saints to make necessary adjustments. Despite the financial hurdles, Carr’s conversion to a signing bonus allows New Orleans to access capital and explore options for improving their roster ahead of free agency.

Head Coach Kellen Moore, who recently led the Philadelphia Eagles to a Super Bowl victory, is optimistic about the prospects of elevating Carr’s performance in the coming season. “We are looking to build on what Derek has done and push our offense to new heights,” Moore stated in a press conference.

Carr’s contract rework not only solidifies his role as the Saints’ starting quarterback but also sets the stage for a crucial 2025 season, where both he and the Saints will seek improvement after a challenging few years.