New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr will be pleased to have an offensive-minded head coach, but there might be some initial awkwardness between himself and Kellen Moore.
Carr and Moore have crossed paths before, albeit in very different circumstances. The two actually faced off in 2011 as rival quarterbacks when Carr’s Fresno State team took on Moore’s Boise State squad. Moore was the clear winner, as his fifth-ranked Broncos romped to a 57-7 victory over Carr’s Bulldogs.
Moore went 23/31 for 254 yards and three touchdowns in the win. Carr, meanwhile, was a miserable 17/30 for 126 yards with an interception.
Ultimately, their paths would not cross again, at least not as players. Moore played in three games for the Dallas Cowboys in 2015, and eventually retired in 2018 to begin coaching with the Cowboys. Carr is now an 11-year NFL starting quarterback and four-time Pro Bowl selection.
Carr’s future has been a topic of discussion since the end of a disappointing season for him and his team. The Saints have a difficult salary cap situation, and Carr’s cap hit for 2025 is over $50 million. The quarterback has said he is willing to restructure his deal, but he will not be taking a pay cut.
Carr and Moore might share a laugh about their college encounter. However, the two sides are going to have some more serious business to work through before the 2025 season begins.
