Latest Derek Carr, Saints trade update sounds good for New Orleans

The New Orleans Saints could see a true successor to Drew Brees if the talks with quarterback Derek Carr continue trending in a positive direction.

The New Orleans Saints may have lost Sean Payton, but they could still land the talent they need to turn around their franchise: Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr.

After the Raiders reportedly gave Carr permission to begin meeting with NFL teams interested in making a trade, Carr spent Wednesday and Thursday of this week meeting with Saints personnel in New Orleans.

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Saints and Raiders “already have the framework of a Derek Carr trade in place.”

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport added that the Saints are the “frontrunner” for a Carr trade, and the fact that Carr is spending this week with the Saints indicates that there is mutual interest in bringing the 31-year-old quarterback to New Orleans.

Derek Carr continues serious courtship with New Orleans Saints brass

If the Raiders trade Derek Carr by February 15, the new team would assume Carr’s contract, which includes $40.4 million in guaranteed money. Carr’s contract includes a no-trade clause, so if he does not approve of a trade by that date, he would hit the market as a free agent, and that money would no longer be guaranteed.

This has created the sense of “urgency” Rapoport described in finalizing a deal, and if Carr is spending his last few days dining with Dennis Allen and Saints leadership, it’s likely that this is where Carr will land by Tuesday.

A stamp of approval from Saints legend Drew Brees further demonstrates that the team can significantly benefit from Carr. Although Carr has faced his fair share of criticism, he is a four-time Pro Bowl quarterback who holds numerous franchise records for the Raiders. Yet, in nine years with Carr at the helm, the Raiders have endured six losing seasons and have only made the playoffs twice.

New Orleans could rejuvenate Carr’s career as it once did for Drew Brees, or Carr could follow in the disappointing footsteps of Jameis Winston. All things considered, shifting Carr from black and silver to black and gold would likely be the most amenable situation for all involved.