The New Orleans Saints’ 2024 season has taken yet another unexpected turn, casting further doubt on the team’s immediate future.
Despite securing a hard-fought win in Week 14 against the New York Giants, the Saints’ playoff aspirations took a major hit when starting quarterback Derek Carr exited the game late with a significant hand injury.
This setback is particularly devastating for a franchise that has struggled to find stability in the post-Drew Brees era. Carr, brought in to provide consistency and leadership, now faces the possibility of missing the remainder of the season—a blow that could derail the Saints’ rebuilding efforts.
A Season of High Expectations Turns Sour
The Saints entered 2024 with cautious optimism. After narrowly missing the playoffs in Carr’s debut season with a 9-8 record, New Orleans hoped that a second year under his guidance would result in a return to postseason contention. However, inconsistent play and mounting injuries have plagued the team, leaving their season teetering on the edge of disappointment.
Why the Saints Chose Derek Carr
In 2023, New Orleans made a bold move to secure a veteran quarterback. While they briefly pursued Aaron Rodgers, they ultimately pivoted to Derek Carr, who offered a more affordable solution following his release by the Las Vegas Raiders. Carr’s track record of steady, if unspectacular, production made him a logical choice for a team desperate to stabilize its offense.
Though his tenure with the Raiders did not yield postseason success, Carr showcased enough individual talent to warrant a four-year, $150 million contract with the Saints, including $100 million guaranteed. This investment signaled New Orleans’ confidence in Carr’s ability to lead the team back to relevance.
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Carr’s Injury Deals a Heavy Blow
During the Saints’ Week 14 victory, Carr was forced to leave the game early due to what initial reports suggest is a broken hand. If confirmed, this injury would sideline him for the rest of the season. This development is particularly disheartening for a team that has shown flashes of promise but has struggled to maintain consistency.
The Saints now face a critical juncture. Losing Carr not only complicates their playoff hopes but also raises questions about their ability to compete in the NFC South, a division that has seen its share of upheaval in recent years.
A Team in Transition
The Saints’ struggles since Brees’ retirement in 2021 have been well-documented. The franchise cycled through several quarterbacks before landing Carr, who was expected to serve as a cornerstone of their rebuild. While his play this season has been solid, the team’s inability to capitalize on his presence has been a recurring theme.
Injuries have further complicated matters. With Carr sidelined, the Saints must turn to their backup options—none of whom possess the experience or leadership Carr brings to the table. This sudden shift could have ripple effects throughout the roster as New Orleans attempts to salvage what remains of their season.
Financial Implications of Carr’s Contract
Carr’s lucrative contract underscores the high stakes of this situation. Releasing him after this season would result in a $50 million dead cap hit, making it financially impractical for the Saints to move on from their veteran quarterback. This reality places added pressure on the organization to ensure Carr returns fully healthy and ready to lead the team in 2025.
Saints Look to the Future
With their playoff hopes dimmed, the Saints must now focus on long-term planning. Carr’s injury highlights the importance of building a roster capable of weathering such setbacks. Whether that means bolstering the offensive line, adding depth at key positions, or reevaluating their approach to player development, New Orleans has significant work to do in the offseason.
Can Carr Deliver in 2025?
Despite the challenges of the 2024 season, the Saints remain optimistic about Carr’s ability to lead the team moving forward. His track record, combined with the team’s financial commitment, makes him the focal point of their rebuild. However, the pressure will be on both Carr and the Saints’ front office to deliver tangible results in 2025.
A Franchise at a Crossroads
The Saints’ current predicament underscores the complexities of rebuilding in today’s NFL. While securing a veteran quarterback like Carr was a step in the right direction, injuries and inconsistent play have hampered their progress. The next steps will be critical as New Orleans seeks to return to contention in a highly competitive league.
Final Thoughts
Derek Carr’s injury is a sobering reminder of the fragile nature of NFL success. For the Saints, it represents both a setback and an opportunity—a chance to reassess their approach and emerge stronger in the seasons to come. As they navigate the remainder of 2024 without their starting quarterback, all eyes will be on how the organization responds to this latest challenge.
Though the immediate future looks uncertain, the Saints’ commitment to Carr and their rebuilding process suggests brighter days could still lie ahead. For now, however, the team must brace for a difficult finish to what has already been a turbulent season.