The New Orleans Saints have made their stance clear—Derek Carr will remain their quarterback in 2025. However, the decision has not exactly been well received by fans, many of whom have been vocal about their frustrations with Carr’s performance and the team’s long-term direction.
Saints Go All-In on Carr Despite Calls for a Pay Cut
Entering his third season of a four-year, $150 million contract, Carr’s future in New Orleans had been a subject of heated debate. After two underwhelming seasons, many believed the 33-year-old veteran should either take a pay cut or restructure his contract to help ease the Saints’ salary cap burden.
Reports on Saturday indicated that the team had explored “multiple options” with Carr regarding his contract. However, despite speculation that he could restructure his deal or take a reduction in pay, neither happened. Instead, the Saints committed to nearly all of his $40 million salary for next season—a move that NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo called the “ultimate sign” that the franchise is sticking with Carr for at least another year.
Fans Lash Out at the Decision
The announcement was met with widespread frustration from Saints fans, many of whom have grown disillusioned with Carr’s lackluster production and inability to lead the team to success. Social media reactions poured in, with fans calling out both Carr and the Saints’ front office for making what they see as a shortsighted move.
Many had hoped the team would cut bait or at least create flexibility for the future, especially given that Carr’s massive cap hit will continue to limit their ability to make significant roster upgrades. Instead, New Orleans has doubled down on their investment, leading some to believe that the team is simply delaying the inevitable rather than looking for a true long-term solution at quarterback.
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Carr’s Uncertain Standing Entering 2025
When Carr spoke to reporters in January, he expressed confidence that he would return to the Saints in 2025. However, even he acknowledged that a trade or release was not entirely off the table.
Now that his salary is locked in, Carr will get at least one more year to prove he can be the answer for New Orleans. However, his track record so far has done little to inspire confidence.
- 2024 Season Stats:
- 10 games played (missed time due to injury)
- 2,145 passing yards
- 15 touchdowns, 5 interceptions
- Saints went 5-5 in his starts, 0-7 without him
While some Carr supporters argue that he wasn’t the sole problem—pointing to injuries and inconsistent offensive play-calling—the fact remains that the Saints have been stuck in mediocrity since signing him.
Where Do the Saints Go From Here?
With Carr’s salary locked in, the Saints will now enter the 2025 season with major questions:
- Can Carr elevate his play enough to justify the team’s faith in him?
- Will the Saints’ front office continue to build around him, or is this just a temporary solution?
- If the struggles continue, could the team finally pivot toward a rebuild?
For now, the Saints are riding with Carr, but if he fails to deliver next season, the fan frustration will only intensify—and New Orleans may finally be forced to reconsider their long-term quarterback plan.