Derek Carr-Chris Olave Named Among NFL's Top New Combos

See where one national site ranks the Saints new QB-WR combination.

The New Orleans Saints have had an extremely aggressive offseason. After two years of offensive struggles, New Orleans hopes that they found a long-term quarterback when they signed Derek Carr. New Orleans also brought in 1,000-yard rusher Jamaal Williams, TE Foster Moreau, and wideouts Bryan Edwards and James Washington. 

The new additions join stars Alvin Kamara, Michael Thomas, and Chris Olave, along with up-and-coming performers Juwan Johnson and Rashid Shaheed. New Orleans also drafted RB Kendre Miller and A.T. Perry, with a hopeful return to health of a dominant offensive line to fuel it all.

The 32-year-old Carr was the highlight of the aggressive New Orleans offseason. Signed to a four-year contract worth $100 million in guaranteed money, Carr is reuniting Dennis Allen, the coach that drafted him with the Raiders in 2014.

In a quarterback dominated league, Carr was among several new quarterback additions to teams throughout the NFL. He'll be expected to help the Saints to the level they haven't been since Drew Brees retired after the 2020 season. 

In an article for NFL.com, writer Kevin Patra ranks that site's top nine new quarterback-wideout combinations. In no surprise, Patra picked the ''flavor of the month'' at Number One, going with the new Jets combo of Aaron Rodgers and Garrett Wilson. Another potentially overrated combination of Lamar Odell Beckham (Ravens) came in at Number 2, with Trevor Lawrence-Calvin Ridley (Jaguars) selected at Number 3.

Mar 11, 2023; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) speaks at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Coming in at Number 4 on Patra's rankings is the Saints new tandem of Derek Carr and Chris Olave. 

Carr-Olave were slotted ahead of Justin Fields-D.J. Moore (Bears), Jimmy Garoppolo-Davante Adams (Raiders), Dak Prescott-Brandin Cooks (Cowboys), Baker Mayfield-Mike Evans (Buccaneers), and Mac Jones-JuJu Smith-Schuster (Patriots).

Here's what Kevin Patra of NFL.com had to say about the Carr-Olave pairing. 

Michael Thomas' status might be a bigger narrative heading into the 2023 season, with questions about whether the record-setting wideout can finally stay healthy. But there is no question in my mind that Olave can be the star of New Orleans' offense.

As a rookie, the Ohio State product put up 1,042 yards and four TDs on a middling passing offense -- the Jets and their QB turnstile posted more passing yards than the Saints last season. Now, Olave is a prime candidate to make a leap in Year 2. He owns the route running to beat even the best corners, the speed to pressure deep and the reliable hands of a top-shelf wideout. He's the complete package.

Now import Derek Carr.

Yes, the former Raiders QB has his warts -- don't we all -- but he's a clear upgrade on Andy Dalton. In four of the past five seasons, Carr has passed for 4,000-plus yards. (His two-game benching to close 2022 was likely the reason he didn't make it 5-for-5.) The 32-year-old has proven he can run an offense and put up numbers in the right situation.

Carr's tendency to look for deep shots plays well with the Saints' targets. Olave led all players with 14.2 air yards per target last season, per Next Gen Stats (min 100 targets). The pairing should be in for a cavalcade of field-stretching connections in 2023. Toss in second-year speedster Rashid Shaheed and Thomas -- again, if healthy -- and New Orleans' offense could be cooking with gas.

New Orleans Saints receiver Chris Olave (12) receives a pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY

All eyes will, of course, be on the health of WR Michael Thomas. Over his first four seasons, Thomas averaged nearly 118 catches and 1,378 yards per year. That includes an NFL-record 149 receptions in 2019, two years of leading the league in catches, one of leading the league in yardage, and a litany of franchise records.

However, Thomas has missed 40 of the last 50 contest with ankle and foot injuries. Thomas is the NFL's most dominant receiver when healthy, mainly because of his elite route precision, sure hands, and physicality. He showed that last year, catching 16 passes for 171 yards in just three games. 

Because of the injury questions to Thomas, 2022 first-round choice Olave may take over the mantle as the team’s top wideout. Despite a limited offense and erratic quarterback play, Olave led the Saints with 72 receptions and 1,042 yards.

Olave has proven to be a terrific route runner, with the savvy to beat even the top corners. He also has deep speed and outstanding open field elusiveness, making him a threat at all three levels. 

Derek Carr has been a productive passer over his nine-year career. He's also never been surrounded with the amount of talent that he'll have in New Orleans. That talent, starting with Olave, Thomas, and Alvin Kamara, gives him a better chance for success than any of the other quarterbacks facing new scenery in 2023.