The NFL offseason is always filled with rumors, speculation, and big moves that shape the future of franchises. For the New Orleans Saints, the 2023 offseason is already proving to be one of immense potential, and a key player in that transformation could be quarterback Derek Carr. After an up-and-down season with the Las Vegas Raiders, Carr has found himself at the center of trade rumors, and the Saints appear to be one of the most interested suitors for his services.
Carr, who was benched by the Raiders late in the 2022 season, has been vocal about his desire to move on and start fresh with a new team. As the Saints look to retool their roster and emerge as legitimate contenders in the NFC South once again, Carr represents a potential catalyst for a much-needed revival. The Saints have long been searching for stability at the quarterback position following the retirement of legendary quarterback Drew Brees, and Carr could be the player who finally brings that stability.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into why Derek Carr could be the “first domino” to fall in New Orleans’ offseason plans, and how his acquisition could have far-reaching effects for the Saints, both in terms of their current roster and their long-term trajectory.
### Why Derek Carr Is the “First Domino” for the Saints
The term “first domino” is often used to describe a move that sets off a chain reaction, prompting other moves to follow. In the case of the New Orleans Saints, acquiring Derek Carr could be that first domino, a key move that sets the stage for a busy and transformative offseason.
Carr’s arrival in New Orleans would not only address the most pressing position for the team—quarterback—but it would also allow the Saints to pivot their strategy for the 2023 season. Carr’s skill set and experience could help the Saints remain competitive in a wide-open NFC South division, which has seen significant changes with the departure of longtime quarterbacks like Tom Brady and the uncertainty surrounding the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers’ quarterback situations.
In addition to filling the quarterback void, Carr could help open up flexibility in the Saints’ roster-building approach, especially with regards to their offensive and defensive units. The financial flexibility that Carr could provide, combined with his strong leadership qualities, might be just what the Saints need to push for a return to the playoffs.
### The Saints’ Quarterback Quandary Since Drew Brees
Since the retirement of Drew Brees following the 2020 season, the Saints have been in search of a consistent and capable quarterback to guide their offense. Jameis Winston, who had shown flashes of potential before his own injury issues, was expected to take over the starting job in 2021. However, injuries and inconsistent play forced the Saints to turn to other quarterbacks, including veteran Andy Dalton, in 2022.
Winston, who signed a two-year deal with the Saints ahead of the 2022 season, has struggled to stay healthy and deliver consistent play on the field. While he has moments of brilliance, the Saints have been left with uncertainty at the position, preventing them from building a cohesive and dynamic offense. This inconsistency has hurt the team’s ability to make a deeper playoff run.
Enter Derek Carr—who would provide a much-needed upgrade at the position. Carr has established himself as one of the more productive and durable quarterbacks in the NFL, passing for over 4,000 yards in seven of his nine seasons with the Raiders. Though he has had his ups and downs with the Raiders, he remains a highly capable quarterback who can move the ball down the field and make plays in critical moments.
Carr’s experience and leadership would give the Saints the stability they’ve lacked since Brees’ retirement, and his arm strength and accuracy could help elevate an offense that has struggled to find its rhythm in recent seasons. His presence could be exactly what the Saints need to take advantage of their solid supporting cast, including playmakers like wide receiver Chris Olave and running back Alvin Kamara.
### Financial Implications of Trading for Derek Carr
While acquiring Carr would provide a significant upgrade at quarterback, the financial implications of such a move are equally important. The Saints are one of the more cap-strapped teams in the NFL, consistently finding themselves working around a tight salary cap. For any trade to work, the Saints would need to find a way to fit Carr’s contract under their cap while still addressing other needs.
Carr, who signed a five-year, $125 million extension with the Raiders in 2017, will have a hefty cap hit if traded. However, his contract situation could actually work in the Saints’ favor. Carr has a no-trade clause, meaning he has the power to approve or reject any potential trade. This gives the Saints a clear opportunity to negotiate with him directly and structure a deal that works for both parties.
The Saints will likely need to make some financial adjustments, whether it’s restructuring existing contracts or potentially moving on from some current players, to accommodate Carr’s contract. However, given their financial flexibility in 2023 (due to the expected release of veteran players and some strategic restructuring), they are in a better position than many might think.
Additionally, Carr could be seen as a short-term solution with the potential for long-term stability. If the Saints can make the numbers work and avoid significant future financial burdens, Carr could provide a few strong years under center while allowing the team to build for the future.
### A Chain Reaction of Offseason Moves
As previously mentioned, the acquisition of Derek Carr could set off a chain reaction of offseason moves for the Saints. Once the quarterback position is stabilized, the team can more confidently move forward with other roster decisions, including bolstering both the offense and defense.
#### 1. **Building Around Carr: Offensive Upgrades**
One of the most immediate effects of bringing Carr in is the ability to more effectively build around him. The Saints have some promising pieces on offense, including the aforementioned Olave and Kamara, but they still have room for improvement. With Carr under center, the Saints may look to add more weapons to the offense, whether through free agency or the NFL Draft.
The team could target a wide receiver in free agency, or they could look to add another playmaker in the draft to give Carr even more tools to work with. Given the uncertainty at the quarterback position in recent years, the Saints have not been able to fully utilize their offensive weapons. With Carr, they can unleash the potential of their skill players and make a more serious push for a playoff berth.
#### 2. **Shoring Up the Defense**
While the offense is a clear area of focus, the Saints’ defense has been one of their strengths over the past few seasons. However, the team could use an upgrade in certain areas, particularly in the secondary and defensive line. With Carr’s acquisition freeing up more resources, the Saints could look to target free agents or draft prospects who can bolster their defense, ensuring that both sides of the ball are competitive.
### NFC South’s New Landscape
The NFC South is entering a period of change. Tom Brady’s retirement has left a massive hole in the division, while the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers have struggled to find consistent quarterback play. With Derek Carr leading the Saints, they could position themselves as the clear front-runner in the division, given their stability at quarterback and solid roster foundation.
By making Carr their first domino this offseason, the Saints could quickly find themselves back in contention for the NFC South title and a playoff berth.
### Conclusion
Derek Carr’s potential move to the New Orleans Saints could be the pivotal moment that sets the tone for the rest of the offseason. By acquiring Carr, the Saints would stabilize the most important position on the field and open the door for further roster improvements. As the “first domino” to fall in New Orleans, Carr’s addition could give the Saints the boost they need to become contenders once again in the NFC South. The road to the playoffs may be more attainable than it has been in years past, and the 2023 season could be the start of a new era for the franchise.
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