Derek Carr Makes Free Agency Decision: Report

By Jason Hall

March 6, 2023

New England Patriots v Las Vegas Raiders
Photo: Getty Images

Free agent quarterback Derek Carr is reportedly expected to sign with the New Orleans Saints, sources with knowledge of the situation confirmed to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport.

"After nine seasons with the #Raiders, the four-time Pro Bowl selection is headed to New Orleans. The first QB domino is about to fall and one NFC South team has its starter," Garafolo tweeted.

"The #Saints remained the favorite for Derek Carr the entire process. It wasn't a trade, instead it'll be a free agent signing. New Orleans will lock in their starter," Rapoport tweeted.

The Saints are reportedly giving Carr a four-year deal, "with a big QB number coming" that will "work with their cap situation," according to Rapoport.

Carr later acknowledged the deal by tweeting "Who Dat," along with a video of New Orleans native Tyrann Mathieu leading the chant during his first home game as a member of the team last season.

Carr was released by the Las Vegas Raiders on February 14, just prior to of a deadline in which $40.4 million in his contract would have been guaranteed. On February 12, Rapoport reported that Carr had informed the Saints that he wouldn't approve a trade to the franchise or any other NFL team, leading to his eventual release which, in turn, saved New Orleans from giving up valuable assets in a trade to acquire the quarterback.

The Saints were reported to be among teams interest in Carr, but the $40.4 million he was guaranteed as part of his recent extension was reported to be an issue, despite the team having the framework of a deal in place, according to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero.

"The #Saints and #Raiders had the framework of a trade in place for Derek Carr, but his contract — which would fully guarantee him $40.4 million as of 4 p.m. ET Tuesday — was an issue. Carr’s no-trade clause gave him power to veto any deal and effectively force his release," Pelissero tweeted.

Carr was benched by the Raiders with just two games remaining in the 2022 regular season, citing the end of his nine-year tenure with the franchise. The former Fresno state standout selected by the Raiders at No. 36 overall in the second-round of the 2014 NFL Draft and holds franchise records in passing yards (35,222), passing touchdowns (217) and completions (3,201), while ranking second behind Pro Football Hall of Famer Ken Stabler (69-26-1) in QB wins with a 63-79-0 overall record.

Carr signed a three-year, $121.5 million contract extension, which included a $32.9 million salary for 2023 and $7.5 million for 2024, both fully guaranteed pending an injury, last offseason.

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