The New Orleans Saints have not reaped the dividends they expected after acquiring Derek Carr. Their relationship with the quarterback is strained, which is why he has reportedly made a shocking request to the club regarding his future.
During the 2023 offseason, the Saints searched the market for a veteran quarterback. The club has lacked stability at the position since Drew Brees’ retirement in 2021, which has been a significant problem for the team.
When rumors surfaced about the Raiders potentially moving on from Derek Carr, the Saints waited patiently for the club to release him. They then offered him a lucrative deal, but things have not gone smoothly with him under center.
Report: Derek Carr requested the Saints to trade him this offseason
A few days ago, the Saints delivered Derek Carr an unexpected update about his future. The NFC South club held a private workout for Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord, a clear sign that they are actively searching for a new quarterback.
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NFL News: Saints hit Derek Carr with unexpected update about his future with the club
Even though the Saints gave Carr a lucrative 4-year, $150 million deal in 2023, it seems the club is not fully committed to him. They restructured his contract this offseason, with rumors suggesting the team may not continue with him beyond the 2025 season.
While the club is not entirely comfortable with the quarterback, it seems the feeling is mutual. For that reason, Derek Carr reportedly asked the Saints to trade him this offseason, as revealed by NewOrleans.Football.
This request came before the restructuring of his contract, where the Saints converted $28.745 million of his 2025 salary plus a $10 million roster bonus into a signing bonus. Nevertheless, they could still part ways with him before the upcoming campaign.
Derek Carr #4 of the New Orleans Saints leaves the field following a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on December 23, 2024 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Saints 34-0.
Despite having a contract for the next two years, Derek Carr seems to feel he is on shaky ground, which is why he asked to be traded. Nick Underhill reported that the Saints are in the market for a quarterback and will likely use their first-round pick this year to acquire one.
Which teams could be interested in trading for Derek Carr?
Several teams are currently in need of a new quarterback. However, Derek Carr may not draw much interest after recent seasons in which he has struggled to perform at a high level.
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NFL News: Saints welcome back a former 1st-round pick to bolster Derek Carr’s offense
Carr has not been linked to any specific team this offseason. The Steelers, Browns, and Titans could be potential suitors looking to trade for a quarterback, but it seems unlikely that they would pursue the former Raiders player.
