In the NFL, team success is often tied to the performance of the team’s quarterback. It doesn’t have to be that way, but most teams in today’s NFL design it so it is that way. For that reason, quarterbacks often enter each season with a ton of pressure, as the hopes of the franchise rest on their shoulders.
That’s the case with Derek Carr and the New Orleans Saints entering the 2024 season. It’s very clear that this year is a make-or-break season for the Saints. The franchise hasn’t made the playoffs in three years, and with everyone yelling that it’s time for a rebuild, success is the only way to avoid that outcome. For that to happen, New Orleans will need a lot out of Derek Carr.
Unfortunately, NFL analysts aren’t incredibly high on Carr and the Saints quarterback room. That was, once again, made clear in a recent Bleacher Report ranking of the worst QB situations ahead of 2024 training camp. Ryan Fowler, who did the rankings, listed 12 teams with concerning situations. New Orleans was ranked 10 on the list.
Saints ranked 10th-worst quarterback situation in the NFL
Fowler highlighted that Derek Carr’s first year in New Orleans was an improvement from his final years with the Las Vegas Raiders. However, with Carr now being 33 years old, Fowler argues his best days could be behind him. Can a fading Carr lead the Saints to where they want to go? Despite the discouraging ranking, Fowler seems to think the answer is yes.
"With Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, Juwan Johnson and Alvin Kamara still in the building, the pieces are present for the Saints to succeed on offense. Additionally, the selection of offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga in the first round will bolster the front five on the edges."
- Ryan Fowler (Bleacher Report)
Ultimately, that’s what matters. The Saints have a chance to be successful in 2023, and they must make sure that happens. Derek Carr may not be the long-term answer at quarterback, but that doesn’t mean he can’t help New Orleans reach its goals for the 2024 season.
