By Alex Al-Kazzaz
After Derek Carr was officially released by the Las Vegas Raiders last month, it was quite frankly the opportunity of a lifetime for him. Because with several teams interested in signing him, and it was only a matter of time when Carr would find a new team. The likes of the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers were hoping to sign Carr along with the New Orleans Saints.
Carr, 31, would be let go after he declined to waive his no-trade clause. The opportunities were out there for the nine-year veteran and because he was cut before a certain deadline, he was free to sign anywhere before the start of free agency.
Carr and the Saints agreed to terms on a four-year contract. According to ESPN, the deal is potentially worth up to $150 million, and it includes $100 million in guaranteed money. Carr had met with the Saints at least twice prior to officially signing with the team. He had recently with the team at the NFL scouting combine.
This signing officially reunites Carr with Dennis Allen. Allen was the head coach of the Raiders when Carr arrived in the league in 2014. Allen has been with the Saints since 2015 and served as defensive coordinator until 2021.
The Saints are coming off a 7-10 finish, their first losing season since 2016. Andy Dalton finished with a 6-8 record under center with Jameis Winston going 1-2. Carr was 63-80 during his time with the Raiders and that includes an 0-1 record in the playoffs. In addition, Carr finished with career lows in both completion percentage and passer rating.
Now that Carr has a new team, he has what he really needs; a fresh start. The Saints have missed the playoffs two consecutive years and they've had some quarterback issues since Drew Brees retired from the sport. The whole Winston experiment didn't work out. As far as Dalton goes, it certainly could have easily been worse, but where Dalton is at this point in his career, no miracles were to ever have been expected. Carr has the opportunity to make a difference for New Orleans.