The Saints are shuffling their roster faster than Usain Bolt’s sprint. They brought in WR Brandin Cooks on a 2-year $13 million deal—nine years after his initial departure. But what’s happening with QB Derek Carr? While he had already announced his intention of not going anywhere else, he also refused to take any pay cut. “Yeah, I wouldn’t do that. Especially with what I put on tape. Would I restructure? Absolutely,” he revealed in January, with the intention of helping his team.

And the team did exactly that. Earlier this month, the Saints restructured his contract, and that move reduced Carr’s salary cap from $51,458,000 to about $20,462,000. The team will save almost $31 million, but that could also mean that he may not be the starter beyond 2025. The team could release him with a post-June 1 designation next offseason and save millions. But what other possibilities exist?

Well, former NFL GM Mike Mayock added his bit to the NFL rumors of Derek Carr leaving the Saints. He explained this on the March 24 episode of The Rich Eisen Show and said:

“If I’m the Cleveland Browns, I’m talking to (GM) Mickey Loomis and saying Mick, would you move him? What would it take because it’s a $1.2 million contract? With Deshaun Watson making all that money, to me, it’s a phone call that has to be made… If you’re Cleveland and you get shut out, (HC) Kevin (Stefanski) and (GM) Andrew (Berry) are under some pressure, Derek Carr can step in day one and compete. So I think Derek Carr is a real object of potential desire down the road for somebody getting shut out.”

Wait, what?

The logic behind this is very simple. The Saints restructured the QB’s contract. So, any team can sign up Derek Carr for the veteran minimum of $1.2 million. And he could get $40 million in the next season. Moreover, that amount is non-guaranteed. With a valuation of $5.15 billion, the Browns are carrying a cap space of $20 million. So, it’s a suitable arrangement they can easily make room for Carr.

The Browns fanbase will welcome him. HC Kevin Stefanski is waiting for some stability in the quarterback department. In 2023, he used 5 different quarterbacks to steer the AFC North franchise into the playoffs. Furthermore, Derek Carr is talented. In 11 seasons, he has 41,245 passing yards and 257 touchdowns. If they make it happen, it will be a massive steal.

However, Saints HC Kellen Moore will have a massive headache if the signal caller departs. They are already struggling in the cornerback depth.

Looking ahead of Derek Carr, the Saints aim to improve defensive strength

The Saints’ poor defense was evident throughout the 2024 season. They lost 12 games, with a shutout loss to the Packers by 0-34. So, Kellen Moore wanted to boost his cornerback depth. The free agency and the draft are two areas where they can fill the position. Moore has already signed a three-year, $9 million deal with the veteran cornerback Isaac Yiadom.

However, the Saints need more solid players. Hence, they can’t wait till the 9th pick in the first round of the 2025 draft when they choose. They have to do something in the free agency. Indeed, a great option is available. Former LA Chargers CB Asante Samuel Jr., the son of a 2-time Super Bowl winner, is expected to rake in a $45 million deal.

In four years with the Chargers, he played 50 games (47 as a starter), finishing with six interceptions, 37 defended passes, and 176 tackles (148 solo). Those are some solid numbers. However, there is an injury concern—he played only four games in the 2024 season after suffering a shoulder injury in the Week 4 matchup. His recovery and return remain key discussion points.

One thing is certain: the Saints want to reshuffle their roster. But with Derek Carr at the center, they need to find other ways to improve. With $33 million in cap space, the Saints have plenty of opportunities to make the next month interesting.

What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.