In a shocking turn of events that has rocked the NFL world, quarterback Derek Carr has officially terminated his contract with the New Orleans Saints and signed a monumental new deal with the Dallas Cowboys. The deal, reportedly worth $170.4 million over four years, is one of the most significant quarterback contracts in recent history and has major implications for both teams as well as the broader NFL landscape.
The End of Carr’s Brief Stint in New Orleans
Derek Carr, who joined the New Orleans Saints in March of 2023 after being released by the Las Vegas Raiders, played just one season with the Saints. During his time in New Orleans, Carr showed flashes of his former Pro Bowl form but struggled to find consistent success in a challenging NFC South division. Despite his experience and leadership, the Saints were unable to make significant playoff noise, finishing the season with a lackluster 7-10 record.
While Carr had a solid season statistically, throwing for 3,500 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions, it was clear that the Saints and Carr’s playing style weren’t quite the perfect fit. With New Orleans opting for a rebuild in certain areas of their roster, both Carr and the organization have decided to part ways sooner than expected.
In a statement, Carr explained, “I have a great deal of respect for the Saints organization, their fans, and my teammates. But after a year of reflection, I believe my future lies elsewhere. I’m grateful for the opportunity, but I’m excited to join a new team with championship aspirations.”
A New Chapter with the Cowboys
Carr’s decision to join the Dallas Cowboys is a bold one, as he joins one of the most storied franchises in NFL history. The Cowboys have long been a playoff contender, though they have struggled in recent seasons to get over the hump and return to the Super Bowl. With Dak Prescott entering the final year of his current deal and the Cowboys’ front office looking to make a major push for the postseason, bringing in Carr represents a strategic move to solidify the quarterback position for the long term.
The deal is worth an eye-popping $170.4 million, making Carr one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL. The contract reportedly includes $120 million in guaranteed money, a strong indication that Dallas sees Carr as a centerpiece for their future success. The deal will keep him in Dallas through the 2028 season.
For Carr, the move to Dallas presents an opportunity to play for a team with both Super Bowl aspirations and an elite supporting cast. With a strong defense, a potent rushing attack led by Tony Pollard, and an emerging group of receivers—including CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup—Carr will have the tools to thrive in Mike McCarthy’s offensive system. The Cowboys are coming off a solid 12-5 season but have yet to make it past the NFC Championship game in recent years.
Carr’s addition gives Dallas more stability and a proven leader under center. His ability to distribute the ball effectively, especially in high-pressure situations, will be crucial as the Cowboys look to navigate the NFC gauntlet.
The Impact on the Saints
The Saints’ decision to part ways with Carr is a big one, and it leaves the team with a major void at the quarterback position. New Orleans, which has struggled to find a long-term answer since the retirement of Drew Brees, will now likely turn to their backup quarterbacks or possibly explore the trade or free-agent market for a new signal-caller.
Jameis Winston, who served as Carr’s backup in 2023, could be in line for a starting role, but with uncertainty around the Saints’ offensive direction, they may also consider drafting a quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft. The NFC South remains a winnable division, but New Orleans’ lack of a clear QB1 could hinder their hopes of competing for a division title next season.
What This Means for the Cowboys
For the Cowboys, the addition of Derek Carr gives them a proven, durable quarterback who has the potential to elevate the team’s play. Carr has long been known for his consistency and ability to manage games efficiently. His leadership, experience in tough situations, and ability to thrive under pressure are qualities the Cowboys have lacked at times during Prescott’s tenure, particularly in the postseason.
This move also signals that the Cowboys are all-in on competing for championships in the near future. While Dak Prescott is still on the roster, Carr’s signing raises questions about Prescott’s long-term future in Dallas. The Cowboys may now consider moving on from Prescott or exploring trade options, especially given the size of Carr’s new contract and the uncertainty surrounding Prescott’s ability to lead the team to a Super Bowl.
The NFL Landscape Shaken
Derek Carr’s decision to terminate his contract with the Saints and sign with the Cowboys represents a seismic shift in the NFL quarterback market. With the rising cost of top-tier quarterbacks, this deal could set a new precedent for how teams approach contract negotiations with their star signal-callers. Carr’s deal could inspire other quarterbacks on the market to demand more lucrative terms, and it signals to the league that Dallas is positioning itself as a major contender.
As for the Saints, their search for a new quarterback will likely dominate headlines in the coming weeks. With teams like the Saints and others on the lookout for a new QB, the 2024 offseason could see even more surprising moves and big-money contracts.
Looking Ahead
Derek Carr’s move to the Cowboys is one of the most surprising and impactful moves of the NFL offseason. The Cowboys now boast one of the most well-rounded rosters in the league, and with Carr at the helm, they have an opportunity to make a deep playoff run. On the other hand, the Saints must now reassess their quarterback situation as they look to rebuild their franchise.
As the dust settles from this blockbuster deal, the eyes of the NFL will be on both the Cowboys and the Saints to see how they adjust to their new realities. For Carr, the chance to play for one of the league’s most iconic franchises could be the opportunity he’s been waiting for to cement his legacy as one of the league’s elite quarterbacks.
Stay tuned for further developments on this story as the NFL offseason continues to unfold.