Derek Carr, the starting quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, has reportedly opened the 2025 off season with a bold and potentially controversial move: asking for a raise. This request comes just one season after Carr signed a significant four-year, $150 million contract with the Saints, which included $100 million in total guarantees. The timing and nature of the ask have raised eyebrows around the league and sparked debate among fans and analysts alike.
Carr’s request reportedly stems from his belief that he outperformed expectations in his first year with the Saints. After a rocky tenure with the Las Vegas Raiders, Carr joined New Orleans with the hopes of stabilizing the quarterback position and leading a talented, if inconsistent, roster to playoff contention. Statistically, Carr had a solid 2024 season. He threw for over 4,200 yards with 29 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, posting a passer rating north of 95 and guiding the team to a 10-7 record and a Wild Card playoff berth. It marked the Saints’ first postseason appearance since the 2020 season and helped restore some optimism around a franchise in transition.
While Carr’s performance was far from elite, it was steady and competent, especially in clutch situations. He developed strong chemistry with wide receivers Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, and proved to be a calming presence behind a shaky offensive line that struggled with injuries for much of the year. His leadership and durability—playing through multiple minor injuries—also garnered praise from teammates and coaches. Head coach Dennis Allen, who was also Carr’s coach during his rookie season in Oakland, has spoken glowingly about Carr’s command of the offense and presence in the locker room.
However, the request for a raise has sparked mixed reactions within the organization. According to sources close to the team, Carr and his agent approached Saints management shortly after the season ended, citing a market shift and quarterback contracts that have since eclipsed his deal. With players like Jared Goff and Tua Tagovailoa reportedly nearing extensions worth well north of $50 million per year, Carr’s camp believes his compensation no longer reflects his value—especially considering the Saints’ success in 2024.
The Saints front office is reportedly hesitant. With the team still navigating salary cap constraints, giving Carr a raise—especially just a year into his contract—could create a ripple effect across the roster. Key players such as Marshon Lattimore and Alvin Kamara are also due for contract evaluations, and any restructuring for Carr would likely involve converting more of his salary into bonuses, further pushing cap hits into future years. For a franchise already well-known for its aggressive cap management tactics, the move would not be impossible—but it would come with risk.
Internally, some in the Saints organization are said to be concerned about the optics of Carr’s request. While he had a productive season, he didn’t ascend into the top echelon of NFL quarterbacks. His numbers, while strong, were not MVP-caliber, and the team’s playoff exit in the Wild Card round exposed lingering issues on both sides of the ball. Critics argue that Carr should focus on building upon last season’s success before making financial demands, especially considering the commitment the team already made to him.
From Carr’s perspective, the raise isn’t just about money—it’s about recognition. After nine years in the league, he finally found stability and success in a system tailored to his strengths. Carr has also reportedly emphasized that his request isn’t a hard ultimatum, but rather an opening for dialogue about a potential reworking of the deal that would reflect his value while helping the team with cap flexibility. One option being floated is a restructured contract that includes performance-based escalators and incentives, giving Carr a chance to earn more without compromising the team’s immediate financial situation.
The coming months will be critical in determining how this situation unfolds. If the Saints choose to deny Carr’s request outright, they risk straining the relationship with their starting quarterback just as the team is building momentum. On the other hand, granting a raise so soon could set a precedent that other players—and future quarterbacks—may use to their advantage.
Ultimately, Carr’s decision to seek a raise is emblematic of the modern NFL landscape, where quarterback contracts continue to soar and player leverage is stronger than ever. Whether the Saints view Carr as a quarterback worth breaking convention for remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Derek Carr has made it clear that he believes he is not only the present, but also the long-term future of the New Orleans Saints—and he wants to be paid accordingly.
