Kellen Moore Uncertain About Derek Carr’s Future with Saints

METAIRIE, La. (AP) — The New Orleans Saints introduced Kellen Moore as their new head coach on Feb. 13, 2025, but he remained noncommittal about quarterback Derek Carr‘s future with the team during his first press conference.

Moore, who previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, expressed excitement about his new role and the roster he has inherited. However, when asked multiple times if Carr would remain the team’s starting quarterback in 2025, he refrained from providing a definitive answer. “Derek’s a tremendous quarterback in this league,” Moore said. “He’s a starter in this league, a premier player in this league… I’m excited to team up with him and go through this process.”

The Saints are facing a significant challenge in managing their salary cap, currently exceeding it by a league-high $54.1 million. The new league year begins March 12, pushing the team to consider cost-cutting measures that may affect Carr, who has two years remaining on a four-year, $150 million contract signed in 2023. His salary cap figure is set to be $51.45 million next season.

Carr’s situation is complicated by his unwillingness to take a pay cut; however, he has expressed a willingness to restructure his contract to assist the team in relieving cap pressure. “I’ll always help the team that way,” Carr stated. “But there’s some things that you put out there that you earned… It’s hard enough putting our bodies through it, and you’re trying to get everything you can for your family for it.”

Carr, a four-time Pro Bowler, had a roller-coaster season with New Orleans, ending with a 5-12 record. He started the season strong but suffered a hand injury that limited him to just five games after going 5-5.

Moore, age 36, is the youngest head coach in the NFL and acknowledges the importance of maximizing the talents of his players as he sets out to improve the Saints’ fortunes on the field. He emphasized the need to adapt his offensive strategies to fit the strengths of the available players. “Whether we have to throw it 50 times or run it 50 times, I really don’t care how we got to win a football game,” Moore explained.

Despite last season’s struggles, Moore believes the Saints can be competitive in the NFC South. “Certainly, we’re going to compete for this division,” he said. “This is a talented roster… We want to embrace the good and don’t lose any of it while building this thing the right way.”

In addition to Carr, Moore expressed respect for running back Alvin Kamara, who is also facing financial scrutiny due to his cap hits. Kamara, who recently signed a contract extension, is viewed as a pivotal player moving forward. “He’s obviously one of the premier players in our league… A lot of people have been looking, ‘How can we find an Alvin on our football team?'” Moore noted.

Moore’s confident demeanor indicates he feels prepared to lead the Saints after a challenging previous season and aims to make an immediate impact on the team’s performance. His adaptation to head coaching comes at a critical time as the franchise looks to return to a playoff contender role.