Two years ago, the New Orleans Saints signed quarterback Derek Carr after his release from the Raiders, structuring the deal as a two-year guarantee with a team option beyond that. As the off season approaches, the Saints must soon decide whether to retain Carr for the 2025 season.
Carr remains optimistic about his future in New Orleans. In a conversation with Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com, Carr expressed confidence, citing “super positive” discussions with key figures in the organization, including General Manager Mickey Loomis and owner Gayle Benson. “I’ve had great conversations with everyone in this building,” Carr said. “My confidence level is very high in what can happen.”
Carr’s $30 million salary for 2025 becomes fully guaranteed in March, provided he can pass a physical following the hand injury that sidelined him for the final four games of the 2024 season. If he fails the physical, the amount becomes fully guaranteed due to the injury clause.
Carr has made it clear he will not take a pay cut, though he is open to restructuring his contract to help the team. His cap hit for 2025 is $51.458 million, and restructuring could lower this number. If the Saints choose to release Carr with a post-June 1 designation, they would face a dead-money charge of $11.458 million in 2025 and $28.674 million in 2026.
The Saints’ decision will also be influenced by the hiring of a new head coach, who will likely have input on whether Carr remains with the team. If released, Carr would enter free agency early, allowing him time to find a new team. However, if his hand injury hasn’t healed by March, the Saints would owe him $40 million, fully guaranteed.
The coming months will be crucial in determining Carr’s fate in New Orleans.
