NFL rumors: Derek Carr ‘in line’ to return to Saints in 2025 amid salary cap issues | News, results, highlights, stats and rumours

The New Orleans Saints could keep Derek Carr as the team’s starting quarterback through 2025 due to a lack of salary cap flexibility, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

“Whoever takes over as coach in New Orleans is going to have a big quarterback question,” Schefter said during an appearance on Monday night countdown. “But right now, because this team is so tight on the cap, Derek Carr is in line to be back next year. They don’t have a lot of flexibility, he makes the most sense. And it certainly looks like he might be . back next season.”

The 33-year-old has started 10 games for New Orleans in 2024 and finished with a 5-5 record. The Saints are currently no. 3 in the NFC South standings with an overall record of 5-9.

New Orleans is projected to be $63.8 million over the salary cap in 2025 per Above the Cap.

As for Carr, he has signed with the Saints for two more seasons. He gets a $51.5 million cap hit in 2025 and a $61.5 million cap hit in 2026 via Spotrac. Carr also has a guaranteed $10 million roster bonus next season.

His $30 million base salary for his next year in New Orleans also becomes fully guaranteed on the third day of the 2025 league year (h/t ESPN’s Katherine Terrell).

Carr has not exceeded expectations with the Saints as they have failed to make the playoffs in both seasons since he joined in team in March 2023.

In the veteran’s 10 starts this year, he has completed 67.7 percent of his throws for 2,145 yards and 15 touchdowns compared to five interceptions. His average of 214.5 yards per carry. battle through the air represents his lowest mark since 2014.

However, a lack of superior options could keep Carr in black and gold next season. Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener have started under center in the games he has missed, with both players not standing out.

The two have combined to complete 54.7 percent of their throws for 932 yards and three touchdowns compared to three interceptions.

If the Saints can’t find a way to get some cap help, they might be heading into their 2025 campaign with a familiar face at quarterback.