The Saints’ Quarterback Conundrum
The New Orleans Saints’ front office has publicly expressed confidence in Derek Carr, a four-time Pro Bowler, but the reality of their financial situation casts a shadow over this endorsement. As the team enters another offseason fraught with salary-cap challenges, Carr’s contract, which includes a non-guaranteed $30 million, looms large. While releasing Carr wouldn’t entirely resolve the Saints’ cap issues, it would certainly provide a significant financial relief, allowing the team to allocate resources more strategically.
Financial Strain and Strategic Decisions
According to Seth Walder of ESPN, the Saints are likely to cut ties with Carr to sign Pittsburgh Steelers’ pending free agent Justin Fields. Walder’s prediction is rooted in the Saints’ need to embrace a full rebuild, focusing on players with high future potential. "Assuming New Orleans can avoid paying that $30 million to Carr, it ought to embrace a full rebuild — which means playing players with future upside," Walder wrote. "Fields and a rookie could make sense in that context." This move would align with the team’s broader strategy to rejuvenate their roster and position themselves for long-term success.
Justin Fields: A Dual-Threat Prospect
Despite his struggles with the Chicago Bears, Fields has shown promising signs with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In 2024, he filled in for the injured Russell Wilson, completing 65.8% of his passes for 1,106 yards, five touchdowns, and just one interception, with a commendable 110.6 passer rating in six starts. His dual-threat capabilities were also on display, as he rushed 62 times for 289 yards and five touchdowns. These performances suggest that Fields could be the type of dynamic quarterback that new head coach Kellen Moore, who has a track record of success with mobile quarterbacks, is looking for.
The Salary Cap Dilemma
The NFL officially set the 2025 salary cap at $279.2 million, and the Saints are estimated to be roughly $47 million over this cap, according to Spotrac. This financial burden is a significant obstacle that the team must navigate. Releasing Carr would free up a substantial portion of this cap space, but the Saints would still need to make additional moves to fully comply with the cap. The decision to part ways with Carr is not just about finding a better quarterback; it’s a necessary step to create financial flexibility and build a more sustainable roster.
The Hesitation and Risk
Walder’s prediction comes with a caveat: "There’s still a possibility Fields can kick his level of play up a notch, and, if not, a mid-round rookie can get some run. My only hesitation is that even Fields might be too expensive for the Saints, given how rough their salary cap situation is." The Saints must weigh the potential of Fields against the financial risks. While Fields has shown promise, his salary and the cap constraints could limit the team’s ability to make other crucial signings and trades. The Saints will need to carefully consider their options to ensure they are making the best long-term decision for the franchise.
A Path Forward
Moving away from Carr is a critical step, but it is just one part of a larger plan to revitalize the Saints. The team will need to explore various avenues, including restructures, trades, and releases, to bring their cap situation under control. By focusing on young, high-potential players like Fields and investing in a strong draft, the Saints can build a foundation for future success. The challenge is significant, but with strategic planning and a clear vision, the Saints have the opportunity to transform their roster and return to contention in the coming years.
