The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have laid claim to the NFC South title for the last four seasons.
And what just happened in New Orleans helps clear the path for them to do it again.
New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek is set to retire after 11 seasons in the NFL due to a shoulder problem, NFL Network reports on Saturday.
Carr, 34, made four Pro Bowls with the Raiders before moving to New Orleans ... in a change that never quite clicked.
The Carolina Panthers have been one of the leagues worst teams. The Atlanta Falcons have been Tampa's biggest competition for the division but haven't truly come close, and the Saints - the last team outside of the Bucs to win the division - are in cap purgatory.
Oh, and now this.
The latest injury news shouldn't make things any easier for the rest of the division against Tampa at this point.
New Orleans gave Carr a four-year deal worth $150 million just a couple of years ago. ... and that didn't work out, either.
The QB will give up the $30 million guaranteed this season on his contract and the Saints will let him keep his recent $10 million roster bonus and signing bonus, Ian Rapoport said.
Things are getting ugly for the Saints.
The Saints' QB room is currently occupied by 2025 Round 2 pick Tyler Shough, 2024 fourth-round selection Spencer Rattler, Jake Haener and veteran Ben DiNucci.
Maybe Shough steps up right away.
In any event, while no one celebrates injuries, the Buccaneers not having to worry about the Saints as a legitimate playoff team should allow them a clearer picture for their fifth straight division crown.