Can the Saints Sell It? Derek Carr’s Week 1 Ambitions and New Orleans’ Quarterback Conundrum

Introduction

In the wake of Derek Carr’s high-profile signing with the New Orleans Saints, one of the most pressing questions on the eve of the 2025 NFL season is whether the franchise can “sell” its new era under Carr’s leadership to a fervent fan base. Carr, a four-time Pro Bowler with 41,245 career passing yards, inked a four-year, $150 million contract in March 2023 that positioned him as the face of a revamped Saints offense. Yet, just weeks before training camp, Carr finds himself at the center of a burgeoning quarterback conundrum. Can Carr’s Week 1 ambitions align with team health and salary-cap realities, and will the Saints’ brass be able to maintain fan confidence while navigating this precarious situation?

Carr’s Arrival and Early Expectations

Carr’s arrival in New Orleans was heralded as a coup for the Saints, reuniting him with former Raiders defensive coordinator turned Saints head coach Dennis Allen. His 2023 campaign was a mixed bag: despite throwing for 3,878 yards and 25 touchdowns, Carr battled multiple injuries, leading the team to a 9–8 finish and ultimately missing the playoffs . Entering the 2024 season, Carr showed flashes of vintage precision—posting a 142.5 passer rating in Week 1 and leading the Saints to a 47–10 rout of the Panthers—but an oblique injury and a later concussion fractured his momentum, culminating in a second midseason coaching change and a 2,145-yard, 15-touchdown finish in a truncated 10-game campaign . The narrative: Carr is a talented veteran quarterback with leadership qualities, but his durability has come into question, setting the stage for a dramatic offseason.

The Shoulder Saga: To Play or to Operate?

At the core of the current conundrum is Carr’s throwing-shoulder issue. Ian Rapoport first reported on April 11 that Carr was “weighing his options, including surgery,” with the injury “threatening his availability” for the 2025 season . Carr has publicly confirmed the ailment—calling out media speculation as “people lying”—and asserted that he possesses MRI evidence of the damage, emphasizing a collaborative approach with team doctors to determine the best course of action . According to league insiders, the decision Carr faces is stark: undergo major surgery that could sideline him for the entire season or attempt an aggressive rehab with the goal of being ready for Week 1. As one NFL Network report noted, “If he has surgery, it’s major”—a scenario nobody in New Orleans or the fan base wants.

Saints Management’s Gambit

Behind the scenes, Saints general manager Mickey Loomis and new head coach Kellen Moore have publicly signaled support for Carr as the Week 1 starter. At the NFL scouting combine, Loomis explicitly praised Carr’s “big-time” quarterback pedigree and confirmed plans to restructure his contract—currently carrying a $51.4 million cap hit—to maximize cap flexibility while keeping Carr under center . Moore echoed that sentiment, lauding Carr’s experience and leadership during offseason workouts. Yet, these reassurances come at a cost: restructuring Carr’s deal saved the Saints $30.9 million in cap space this offseason, but it also means the franchise is committed to a hefty dead-cap figure if Carr were to miss significant time . Loomis’ balancing act is clear: maintain Carr’s veteran presence for fan confidence while preserving the financial flexibility to pivot if necessary.

Backup Plans: Crafting a Contingency

Should Carr’s rehab not progress as hoped, the Saints possess a trio of options under center: Spencer Rattler, Jake Haener, and the recently drafted Tyler Shough. Rattler, a second-round selection, has impressed in minicamp with his mobility and arm strength; Haener brings experience from a 2024 stint with the Raiders; and Shough offers developmental upside with a rookie contract cost control. Analysts suggest that if Carr is not cleared for Week 1, the Saints could bypass a midseason scramble by deploying one of these internal options from Day 1 . However, none come with Carr’s resume or marketability, raising questions about whether fans will rally behind a younger, untested signal-caller.

Fan Sentiment and Financial Fallout

The financial stakes are immense. New Orleans is slated to pay Carr $40 million in 2025 regardless of snaps played, a figure drawing criticism from segments of the fan base still reeling from a 5–12 record just two seasons ago . On fan forums and social platforms, frustrations run high: some decry Carr’s unwillingness to take a pay cut, comparing his contract expectations unfavorably to more team-friendly negotiations by other veteran quarterbacks . Yet others argue that Carr’s leadership and locker-room presence justify the investment, pointing to his proven track record of elevating offenses and mentoring younger teammates. Ultimately, the Saints’ ability to “sell” Carr to a skeptical fan base will hinge on both on-field performance and transparent communication about his health.

Week 1 Ambitions: Full Speed Ahead

Despite the looming decision, Carr’s personal ambition is clear: he wants to suit up for Week 1. As reported by Jane Slater of NFL Network, Carr is intent on avoiding surgery and ramping up his throwing program to be ready for the opener in September . Carr’s work ethic has been lauded by Saints staff, with insiders noting his commitment to extra film study and targeted shoulder exercises, reflecting a veteran’s determination to lead by example. While optimism surrounds this approach, medical professionals caution that playing through such an injury without surgical repair—or at least ample rest—carries risks of aggravating the condition and potentially compromising performance as the season wears on.

The Quarterback Conundrum: Weighing Risks and Rewards

The juxtaposition of Carr’s Week 1 ambitions with the severe nature of his shoulder injury crystallizes the Saints’ quarterback conundrum. On one side lies the reward of fielding a seasoned leader capable of executing Kellen Moore’s offense from Day 1; on the other, the risk of fielding a hobbled quarterback whose diminished arm strength could derail the offense and inflame cap complications if a midseason change becomes unavoidable. Moreover, should Carr falter, the Saints would be forced to pivot to backups whose inexperience could lead to a steep learning curve and, potentially, a losing start—hardly the ideal recipe for buoying fan enthusiasm.

Marketability and Merchandise: Can the Saints Pivot?

Beyond on-field production, the Saints must consider Carr’s marketability. Jersey sales and sponsorship deals hinge on the visibility of the quarterback position. Should Carr miss Week 1 or exhibit subpar performance, the franchise risks diminished merchandise revenue and strained sponsor relationships. Conversely, if Carr returns to full form, a triumphant opening game could catalyze a wave of fan engagement, offsetting any offseason skepticism. The front office faces the delicate task of managing Carr’s public rehabilitation narrative, leveraging social media and local media partnerships to craft a compelling story of perseverance and leadership.

Draft Day Decisions and the Long Game

The unfolding quarterback drama also cast a long shadow over New Orleans’ 2025 draft strategy. Holding the No. 9 overall pick, the Saints flirted with the idea of selecting a quarterback to supplant—or at least supplement—Carr. However, Loomis’ insistence that Carr remains the presumed starter kept the franchise from trading up aggressively. Instead, New Orleans opted for complementary pieces on offense and defense, deferring a potential quarterback splash to future trades or free agency should Carr’s health dictate a more permanent pivot . This conservative approach underscores the franchise’s commitment to vet veteran solutions first, with the draft serving as a “Plan B” insurance policy.

Conclusion: The Final Whistle

As training camp approaches, the simple act of declaring Carr the Week 1 starter belies a complex tapestry of medical, financial, and strategic considerations. The Saints’ ability to “sell” Carr’s comeback narrative hinges on transparent communication from Loomis and Moore, robust medical updates, and Carr’s own ability to demonstrate progress on the practice field. Should Carr avoid surgery and take the Week 1 snap, the franchise will score an early psychological victory, potentially unifying a divided fan base around his veteran leadership. Yet, if the shoulder issue festers, the Saints face a midseason upheaval that could test both roster depth and organizational resolve. In the end, the quarterback conundrum encapsulates the precarious balance between ambition and pragmatism in the salary-cap era: the decision to back Carr wholeheartedly must pay dividends on and off the field, or risk leaving New Orleans’ faithful watching from the stands as “what ifs” pile up.