Derek Carr’s release throughout the summer marked a significant turning point for the Las Vegas Raiders as a team. After signing a contract with the New Orleans Saints, he got back together with head coach Dennis Allen, who had coached Carr during his debut season with the Raiders in 2014.
While Carr’s stats—25 touchdowns to just 8 interceptions—were respectable, the Saints’ 9-8 record meant that their reunion was not ideal. Nevertheless, he faced criticism from some supporters during the season, and he was jeered at.
Carr is already under fire, despite having only played one season with the organisation and having at least one more season remaining on his four-year contract, according to Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report.
Knox added, alluding to Pete Carmichael, the longtime offensive coordinator of the Saints who was let go on January 16, “It would be unfair to say that Carr’s ‘just good enough’ play cost Carmichael his job, but it certainly didn’t help.” Carr ought to follow suit, as head coach Dennis Allen is probably going to be under pressure come 2024.
Carr will return in 2024 since he has $52.8 million in dead money left on his deal, according to Knox’s January 17 piece. But if he doesn’t win one or more playoff games, he’ll be a legitimate cut candidate in 2025, just like Daniel Jones. With a post-June 1 designation, New Orleans could waive Carr in the upcoming offseason to free up $40 million in contract space.
Jon Gruden Could Join New Orleans Saints Staff
Jon Gruden joining the coaching staff is one item that could make Carr’s time with the Saints easier. The former head coach of the Raiders is reportedly considering a move to the Saints, according to Jeff Duncan of NOLA.com.
“After their disappointing 2023 season, the Saints are expected to make changes to their coaching staff, and sources said Monday that former NFL head coach Jon Gruden is being considered as a possible addition,” Duncan wrote in a post published on January 8.
The sacking of Carmichael by the Saints may allow Gruden to take over as the team’s offensive playcaller for the upcoming campaign. Mickey Loomis, general manager, stated he wasn’t nearly ready to make a hiring decision just yet.
When asked about Gruden’s candidature as offensive coordinator, Loomis responded, “I don’t want to talk about specific candidates for that role,” as reported by Nick Underhill of NOF.
Although it seems the Saints are still considering their choices, Gruden might serve as the offensive coordinator for the team in 2019. It’s also unclear if the former head coach of the Super Bowl winning team would accept the position.
Derek Carr’s Familiarity With Jon Gruden’s Offense
In his ten-year career, Carr has had six different playcallers. Carr would have a simple transition if Gruden was hired by the Saints to be their offensive coordinator. He is familiar with Gruden’s system having worked there for four seasons.
Carr would have to start over in order to master a new system if the Saints choose to employ someone else. Since Greg Olson called plays for Carr in 2014 and 2021, he might potentially be a possibility. Gruden would be a huge addition, but because of his NFL lawsuit, the team is aware of him a lot. It could be feasible to appoint Olson as offensive coordinator and bring on Gruden as an advisor.
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