What Does the Saints Veteran Quarterback Contract Restructure Mean for the Team?
The New Orleans Saints are once again navigating the complexities of the NFL salary cap, a challenge they’ve become all too familiar with in recent years. With financial constraints looming, the team faced a crucial decision regarding quarterback Derek Carr: either part ways or restructure his contract for the upcoming season. Ultimately, the two sides agreed on an entire contract restructure without a pay cut, ensuring Carr receives his $40 million this year while pushing $30 million into future seasons for cap relief. This move helps the Saints get under the cap while keeping their veteran quarterback in place as they aim to remain contenders in the NFC South. Understanding the impact of this financial maneuver is crucial in assessing the team’s offseason strategy and long-term outlook.
Carr’s return for the 2024 season signals that the Saints are committed to competing rather than entering a rebuild. The new offensive coordinator, Kellen Moore, values Carr’s experience and skill set, suggesting the team believes he can thrive in their system. However, reports indicated that Carr was seriously weighing his options outside New Orleans before agreeing to the restructure. While this move keeps the Saints’ starting quarterback in place, it didn’t come without some frustration from the fan base, as many hoped he would take a pay cut to provide even more cap flexibility. Instead, Carr maintained his full salary, leaving some questions about the long-term financial implications for the team.
Restructuring Carr’s contract provides the Saints with much-needed cap relief for 2025, but it also pushes financial burdens into future seasons, limiting their flexibility down the road. While this move helps them stay under the cap, it still leaves questions about how aggressive they can be in free agency. The team will likely focus on making smaller, strategic signings rather than pursuing big-name free agents as they continue to manage their long-term cap situation. Beyond this season, the decision to restructure rather than extend Carr signals uncertainty about his future in New Orleans. With no guaranteed money on his contract after 2026, the Saints could move on from him next off-season if his performance doesn’t meet expectations. This raises the question of what their long-term quarterback plan looks like. They may look to draft a young quarterback this year to develop behind Carr or explore the veteran market in 2026. Either way, while this restructure secures Carr’s place for now, the Saints must start planning for life after him sooner rather than later.
With Derek Carr’s contract restructured and the Saints maneuvering under the salary cap, the focus now shifts to how they build the roster for both the present and the future. While they remain committed to competing in 2025, their financial limitations make it crucial to maximize the upcoming draft by finding impact players who can contribute immediately. Additionally, rather than chasing expensive veterans, the Saints will likely target younger, more cost-effective free agents to fill key positions. How well they execute these moves will determine their success this season and the foundation they set for the post-Carr era. As the offseason unfolds, the Saints must balance staying competitive and preparing for the future.
