Derek Carr’s story coming into Sunday’s opener against the Titans was an interesting one—the nine-year Raider is now starting for the Saints, with a team taking its third swing at replacing franchise icon Drew Brees.
But the truth is, his is just one of many for that team. And even his offense alone.
Out there on the Superdome turf was Michael Thomas, the star receiver who’s played in just 11 games over the now four seasons since he set the NFL receptions record in 2019. There was tight end Jimmy Graham, returning a decade after leaving New Orleans and a year after walking away from football. There was Chris Olave, the burgeoning star. There was Jamaal Williams, the old Detroit fan favorite whom the Lions moved on from, and who has an important role with Alvin Kamara suspended three games. And with all of it, there was also an acknowledgment.
