Derek Carr has telling response about his future with Saints

Mar 11, 2023; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) speaks at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Derek Carr sounds “confident” that the New Orleans Saints plan to stick with him at quarterback for at least another year.

Carr is entering Year 3 of the 4-year, $150 million contract he signed with the Saints before the 2023 season. So far, Carr has led New Orleans to mediocre results on the field. The Saints have gone 14-13 in his 27 starts over the last two seasons.

On Monday, the 4-time Pro Bowler spoke candidly about his future with the team. Despite his middling performance, Carr revealed a “very high” belief that the Saints’ brain trust would bring him back. But he also admitted that even the best conversations with the front office won’t 100% guarantee his job security.

“I’ve had great conversations with everyone in this building with Ms. Benson, with everybody, and we all have mutual feelings. So my confidence level is very high (about) what could happen,” said Carr, via Jeff Duncan of Nola.com.

“My brother (David Carr) always told me, if they got rid of Peyton Manning, they can get rid of you. That is the truth. And I’ve always believed that since day one when I got in the NFL. And so, for me, I’m fully confident, but at the same time, nothing ever surprises you.

The Saints would have to take on $50 million in dead money should they decide to move on from Carr. With New Orleans projected to be well over the cap next season, sticking to the status quo may be in their best interest.

In all fairness to Carr, the team looked even worse without him this season. The Saints lost all seven games started by Carr’s backups Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener during the 2024 campaign while the veteran QB was sidelined with injury.