Saints latest cap-saving move could start clearing way for Derek Carr

The New Orleans Saints have cleared up some cap space by restructuring a contract. Could that pave the way for the team to sign quarterback Derek Carr?

The Las Vegas Raiders signaled before the end of the 2022 season that they were ready to move on from quarterback Derek Carr by way of benching him for their final two games. With Carr being guaranteed over $40 million by Feb. 15, the Raiders released him from his contract, making him a free agent. That allows him to sign with whichever team he so chooses.

Could one team be preparing for signing the four-time Pro Bowl quarterback?

On Monday, ESPN’s Field Yates reported that the New Orleans Saints converted $10 million of center Erik McCoy’s pay for the 2023 season into a signing bonus. By doing that, the Saints freed up $8 million in cap space.

Saints freeing up cap space to prepare for Derek Carr signing

Was this a move to free up cap space for Carr? That’s hard to tell. It could just be a way for them to get ready for the start of the 2023 league year on March 15.

When Carr was still under contract with the Raiders, he was allowed to visit the Saints facility. That trip turned into a two-day visit with the NFC South team. The Saints and Raiders had already agreed to the terms of a trade, but just needed Carr to give the okay. Carr reportedly turned down the offer, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t want to go to the Saints. Rather, this decision allowed him to enter free agency.

The Saints have one quarterback under contract next year, and that’s Jameis Winston. While he was the starter in the 2021 campaign, he suffered an injury early this past season and was benched in favor of Andy Dalton, who’s a free agent.

While the Saints like Carr, he is not the only team interested in him. Carr recently visited the New York Jets this past weekend. ESPN’s Jeff Darlington reported on Monday that the visit was “very positive and went well,” and that the Jets “really believe” Carr is the quarterback that can lead them to a championship. Darlington brings up, however, that the Jets are also looking at Aaron Rodgers, who has yet to make a decision as to whether he wants to stay with the Green Bay Packers, play elsewhere, or retire.

Carr has some suitors this offseason, and the Saints are among them. But, we will have to wait and see where Carr chooses to play beginning in the 2023 season.