Saints make it official, announce 4-year contract with Derek Carr

It is, to quote any number of network show talking heads, officially official. The New Orleans Saints announced their agreement on a four-year free agent contract with quarterback Derek Carr on Monday, though the deal’s unique structure gives them an exit ramp after just two seasons if things don’t go according to plan.

But that’s not the worry right now. The Saints identified Carr as their top target this offseason and made every effort to sign him. They got their guy, and general manager Mickey Loomis was eager to introduce Carr to Saints fans.

“We are excited to welcome Derek Carr to the New Orleans Saints,” Loomis said in a statement to NewOrleansSaints.com. “Derek’s experience, leadership and skillset will be an asset to our offense.”

Loomis needed more of an introduction than Saints head coach Dennis Allen. Allen drafted Carr into the NFL back in 2014 when they were both on the Raiders, and he values the relationship they’ve maintained over the years as their careers went in different directions.

Allen said, “In addition to his talent, I admired his approach to the game, work ethic and commitment to get better every day in what were the formative stages of his career. From afar and when we played him as an opponent, I saw Derek’s development into one of the most productive quarterbacks in the National Football League. Derek is an outstanding addition to the New Orleans Saints and I can’t wait to get working with him and the rest of our team this offseason.”

The work isn’t over just because Carr is locked in, though. The Saints need to hash things out with restricted free agent tight end Juwan Johnson and embattled wide receiver Michael Thomas, who hasn’t been healthy since winning recognition as NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2019. And then they need to finish navigating the salary cap so they can begin to sign upgrades and replenish the depth chart so Carr has the best supporting cast possible. But this is a major step for the organization.