The New Orleans Saints did not win over many fans after signaling their intention to stick with Derek Carr next season.
Carr is entering the third year of his 4-year, $150 million contract with the Saints. Given his lackluster production over his first two seasons in New Orleans, there has understandably been a lot of chatter about Carr taking a pay cut. However, the 33-year-old QB has held firm that he does not plan on lowering his salary but is willing to restructure his deal.
Reports emerged on Saturday that the Saints had discussed “multiple options” with Carr regarding his compensation. But true enough, Carr did not end up taking a pay cut nor even have his deal restructured to move money forward.
Derek Carr yelling
Dec 26, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) warms up before a game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
The Saints instead committed to virtually all of his $40 million salary for next season. According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the move served as the “ultimate sign” that the Saints are riding with Carr for at least one more year.
This is the ultimate sign the #Saints want Carr as their QB in 2025. No pay cut. No restructure to move money forward. They’re now on the hook for most of the $40m due this season. https://t.co/zdbrZpd1J1
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 8, 2025
Many Saints fans were not happy about the news. Several of them expressed their frustration at both Carr and the team on social media.
Restructuring Derek Carr’s salary in 2025 means his cap hit in 2026 is $69 million 😳
The #Saints continue to double down on the bad roster decisions of the post-Payton/Brees era & commit ‘crimes again competitiveness’ in an effort to maybe go 9-8 and win a week division 🤯 https://t.co/glG7KcVci8
— Fletcher Mackel (@FletcherWDSU) March 8, 2025
Carr is a joke. The Saints got a bottom 20ish QB. I almost would bet most of Carr’s teammates wouldn’t go to his birthday party. Gayle needs retire Loomis. Or sell 10% of the team to the Mannings and let them run things⚜️
— Brian (@BKversion1) March 9, 2025
Mickey Loomis decisions have crushed my lifelong Saints obsession. The endless cap mess, questionable trades, and refusal to rebuild. Fans are losing interest fast. I’ve never cared less about an upcoming season. The front office’s choices are turning passionate diehards into… https://t.co/vNqevsbhPf
— Christian Bouligny (@CBouligny) March 8, 2025
When he spoke to reporters in January, Carr sounded confident that the Saints would bring him back. But even then, Carr admitted that being cut or traded was not out of the question.
Carr played just 10 games last season due to injuries. He finished the year with 2,145 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. The Saints went 5-5 during Carr’s starts and went 0-7 when he was on the sidelines.