As the New Orleans Saints’ season inches closer to its conclusion, the debate around Derek Carr intensifies. Is he the right quarterback to lead this team, or is he another placeholder in a long line of stopgap solutions since Drew Brees’ retirement? The short answer: Derek Carr is not the problem. The Saints’ issues run far deeper than their quarterback, and scapegoating him is a distraction from the organization’s larger flaws in management, coaching, and team-building.
Carr’s Career with the Saints: The Good and the Bad
Derek Carr’s first season with the Saints has been a mixed bag. He has shown flashes of the precision and poise that made him a four-time Pro Bowler with the Raiders, but he’s also struggled behind an offensive line that often resembles a sieve. Despite these challenges, Carr has maintained respectable stats, showing he can still be a top-15 quarterback in the NFL with the right pieces around him.
The Pros:
• Stability and Leadership: Carr brings a veteran presence that the Saints desperately needed after the carousel of quarterbacks in recent years. He’s known for his work ethic, football IQ, and leadership in the locker room.
• Accuracy: When given time in the pocket, Carr has proven to be one of the more accurate passers in the league. His ability to hit intermediate routes and move the chains is a significant upgrade.
• Potential with Proper Personnel: With Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave, and Rashid Shaheed, Carr has the weapons to succeed. The problem lies in the Saints’ inability to create a cohesive offensive scheme that maximizes these talents.
The Cons:
• Turnovers and Decision-Making: At times, Carr has forced throws under pressure, leading to costly turnovers. However, much of this stems from systemic issues rather than individual incompetence.
• Consistency: Like many quarterbacks, Carr’s performance depends heavily on the supporting cast. Without a strong offensive line and complementary play-calling, his ceiling is capped.
What’s Really Holding the Saints Back?
The Saints’ underperformance cannot be pinned on Carr alone. Here are some of the other critical issues plaguing the team:
1. Ineffective Coaching:
Dennis Allen’s tenure as head coach has been underwhelming. The team lacks identity and cohesion, particularly on offense. Pete Carmichael’s predictable and uninspired play-calling has only exacerbated the problem.
2. Offensive Line Woes:
Injuries and inconsistent play on the offensive line have left Carr vulnerable. Even the best quarterbacks struggle when constantly under pressure.
3. Cap Management:
Years of “cap gymnastics” have left the Saints with little financial flexibility. While Mickey Loomis has managed to keep the team competitive, it has come at the cost of depth and long-term planning.
4. Defensive Regression:
Once a cornerstone of the team, the Saints’ defense has been inconsistent this season. Poor tackling, blown coverages, and a lack of turnovers have left the offense with little margin for error.
Is Carr Overpaid?
Critics often point to Carr’s $150 million contract as a reason to move on, but in the context of today’s NFL quarterback market, Carr is far from overpaid. His $37.5 million annual average ranks 10th among NFL quarterbacks, behind the likes of Daniel Jones and Kirk Cousins. Compared to some of the league’s highest-paid quarterbacks—such as Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, and Justin Herbert—Carr’s deal is relatively modest.
Letting Carr go in search of a “better” quarterback would not only cost a premium but would also require gutting the roster. The Saints can’t afford to sacrifice their talent pool for a quarterback who might not perform significantly better under the same conditions.
The Solution: Build Around Carr
If the Saints want sustained success, the focus should shift from replacing Carr to building around him. Here’s what needs to happen:
1. Invest in the Offensive Line:
Drafting or signing elite linemen should be the top priority in the offseason. Protecting Carr and establishing a strong running game are essential for his success.
2. Revamp the Coaching Staff:
The Saints need fresh offensive minds who can adapt to Carr’s strengths and create a dynamic scheme that utilizes their skill players effectively.
3. Cap Responsibility:
Loomis must balance short-term competitiveness with long-term stability. Targeting younger, cost-effective players in free agency and the draft will help.
4. Accountability in Management:
Ownership must hold the front office accountable for its decision-making. The Saints’ current issues stem from years of neglect in planning and adaptation, not from Derek Carr’s presence.
Conclusion
Derek Carr is not the savior of the Saints, but he’s far from the problem. The organization’s struggles reflect systemic failures in coaching, cap management, and roster construction. Carr has shown he can be a capable leader and productive quarterback with the right support. Moving on from him would only set the team back further.
If the Saints want a quick fix, they’ll need to sacrifice talent elsewhere to afford a higher-profile quarterback. But the smarter move is to build a team that can elevate Carr and allow him to thrive. The question isn’t whether to sign Carr but whether the Saints’ management is willing to give him the tools to succeed.
