The New Orleans Saints put their money where their mouth was during the offseason, signing Derek Carr to a four-year contract.
With any luck, Carr will be an excellent replacement for Drew Brees, something the team has been lacking since he retired.
The Saints became very accustomed to winning during the 2010s, putting together six winning seasons.
Brees also led the team to a Super Bowl victory in 2009, but they haven’t returned to the top of the mountain since.
In a recent segment of the NFL on ESPN, former GM Mike Tannenbaum outlined his expectations for the Saints this season.
“If Derek Carr just plays B, B+,” Tannenbaum said, the Saints “can win the division and make a meaningful playoff run.”
“If Derek Carr just plays B, B+, [the Saints] can win the division and make a meaningful playoff run.”
—@RealTannenbaum on the Saints’ potential 📈 pic.twitter.com/LGfVrqOnKr
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) June 21, 2023
Carr’s track record with the playoffs isn’t exactly sparkling clean, as he only led the Las Vegas Raiders there once.
However, as Tannenbaum suggests, if Carr can be average, or slightly above average, the Saints could win the division.
They are in a favorable position to do so, given the current state of quarterbacks within their division.
After Tom Brady left, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were forced to go back to the drawing board.
This is a similar situation for the other two teams, who seem to be in a transition phase at the position.
Will this leave the door open for Carr and the Saints to run away with the title?
That remains to be seen.
For now, Carr has several more weeks to continue to gain trust and traction within this offense, hoping to make a solid year-one impact.
NEXT:
Cameron Jordan Has A Clear Goal For Saints In 2023
