Report: Saints Nearing Contract With QB Derek Carr

Big news out of New Orleans on Monday morning as reports indicate that the Saints are nearing a contract with free-agent QB Derek Carr.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo report on Monday morning that the New Orleans Saints are nearing a deal with free-agent QB Derek Carr. Despite weekend reports that Carr was ''leaning'' to the New York Jets, the Saints emerged as the frontrunner.

Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reports that the agreement between the Saints and Carr will be a four-year deal.

Carr, who turns 32 on March 28, was a second-round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft out of Fresno State by the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders head coach at the time was Dennis Allen, who is currently the head coach for New Orleans. 

In nine years with the Raiders, Carr has completed 64.6% of his passes for 35,222 yards with 217 touchdowns and 99 interceptions. He has a 63-79 record as a starter and led the Raiders to the playoffs twice.

Carr has missed just two regular season games because of injury in his nine seasons. He had four straight campaigns of over 4,000 yards between 2018 and 2021, including a career-high 4,804 in 2021.

The Raiders hired Josh McDaniels as head coach last season. Carr had 3,522 yards with 24 touchdowns and a career worst 14 interceptions before being benched in the last two games. 

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes downfield against the New Orleans Saints. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY

New Orleans met with Carr about the possibility of trading for him last month. He informed the Raiders that he would not waive his no-trade clause and was granted his release. Carr had met with the Saints again, the Jets, and the Carolina Panthers since his release. 

The Saints ranked 19th in total offense and 16th in passing production in 2022. They've started five different quarterbacks in 34 games since Drew Brees retired after the 2020 season.