Free agent quarterback Derek Carr and the New Orleans Saints are finalizing terms of a long-term deal, according to Monday reports.
Carr was drafted in 2014 by the Oakland Raiders with Dennis Allen as head coach. While the franchise moved to Las Vegas and decided late last season to move on from Carr, he’ll rejoin Allen and take the reins of the Saints’ offense after spending nine seasons with the Raiders.
NFL Network and ESPN reported a contract between Carr and the Saints was likely to be in place Monday or Tuesday.
Carr had a jumpstart on the unrestricted free-agent class because he was released last month. The Raiders faced a Feb. 15 deadline to pick up the guarantee on his contract that would’ve included more than $40 million in payments.
The Saints were in limbo at the position and were the first team to host Carr last month. They had permission from the Raiders at the time, hoping to facilitate a trade. But Carr refused to waive his no-trade clause, entering free agency and meeting with the Jets and Panthers after his two-day New Orleans trek.
The Saints began last season with Jameis Winston as their starter but used Taysom Hill and Andy Dalton on the way to a 7-10 season.
In his nine seasons with the Raiders, Carr played for six head coaches, went 63-79 as a starter and led the team to the playoffs twice without a win. He didn’t play in the 2016 season postseason game due to a broken leg.
Carr set franchise records of 35,222 yards and 217 touchdowns. He is a four-time Pro Bowl selection, including this season when he passed for 3,522 yards, 24 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
–Field Level Media
