Peyton Manning Praises Derek Carr

New Orleans native and 2x Super Bowl champion praises the New Orleans Saints quarterback at the 28th Annual Manning Passing Academy.

It's safe to say that Peyton Manning knows the quarterback position in the National Football League after winning two Super Bowl championships, five NFL MVPs, seven All-Pro nods, and 14 Pro Bowl visits.  Fletcher Mackel of WWL interviewed Peyton Manning at Friday's 28th Annual Manning Passing Academy.  After completing the day's activities, Manning sang the praises of Derek Carr joining the New Orleans Saints.    

"He loves the game," Manning told Mackel and reporters.  "I was just pumped when he signed here [in New Orleans], reached out to him, connected him with my dad, and answered some questions about New Orleans.  It's a great pickup for the Saints.  I get excited for these quarterbacks when they have a chance for a second chapter.  It can be rejuvenating for him.  He gave the Raiders everything he had, but obviously, he and Dennis go back, and I think it's a good marriage."

Manning also spoke about Carr's ability to recollect a game that the Colts played in Houston against his older brother and former Texans franchise quarterback David Carr.  "I mean, I remember that.  So it tells you he's got a special memory.  He's got a great recall, which I think is a good sign for a quarterback."

As the summer training camp approaches in July, Derek Carr is establishing himself as the leader for New Orleans.  The Saints have high expectations for Carr after missing the playoffs for two consecutive seasons.  During the offseason, New Orleans pursued and offered the 32-year-old quarterback a four-year, $150 million contract, which he signed on Mar. 6.  The deal has $100 million in guaranteed money, including $60 million fully guaranteed at signing for the nine-year veteran signal-caller.