Derek Carr will sign for the New Orleans Saints on a four-year deal $150million (£125m) deal after being released by the Las Vegas Raiders last month.
The former Raiders quarterback initially held talks with the Saints while still under contract, but refused to negotiate as part of any compensation package. Carr also visited the New York Jets and there was reported interest from both the Carolina Panthers and the Atlanta Falcons.
But Carr has seemingly made up his mind according to NFL insider Mike Garafolo, and will be in a Saints uniform for the 2023 season. Finding a new quarterback was a priority for the Saints, and now Carr will replace Andy Dalton as their new starter.
For the first time in his NFL career, Carr will be tossing balls in a different division, and with a new team. Carr spent nine seasons with the Raiders after being drafted back in 2014, but the franchise informed their quarterback that it was over towards the end of the 2022 campaign.
The four-time Pro Bowler only advanced to the postseason on two occasions during his time with the Raiders, but after going 12-3 back in 2016, he picked up an injury which saw him miss out on any play-off action. Carr finally made his postseason bow in 2021, but they fell at the first hurdle.
The Saints have slipped in recent years after dominating the NFC South, although their last Super Bowl appearance was back in 2009 - when Drew Brees picked up the MVP award following their 31-17 win over the Indianapolis Colts. All four NFC South teams finished with a negative record last season, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers just edging their divisional rivals.
Carr also had interest from the Panthers and the Falcons - two other NFC South teams looking for a new quarterback. The Buccaneers are also searching for a new starter after Tom Brady retired, so the signing of Carr will be a huge boost for the Saints.
The former Raiders quarterback will also link back up with former head coach Dennis Allen, who was in Oakland when Carr was drafted back in 2014. Allen was reportedly a huge factor in Carr's decision, and the two will reunite for the new season.
Carr leaves a stacked AFC West division dominated by Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert and also Russell Wilson - who will now work under Sean Payton. The work starts now for Carr as he's found a new home, and the Saints will be confident of winning back the NFC South with Brady out of the picture.
