The New Orleans Saints made the first big splash of the offseason when they agreed to a contract with quarterback Derek Carr. He signed a four-year, $150 million deal after the Las Vegas Raiders cut him days after the Super Bowl.

Derek Carr’s deal with New Orleans has guaranteed money through 2024 and a full no-trade clause. He chose that deal with the Saints after also visiting with the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers and should bring some stability that they have been lacking since Drew Brees retired.

Given the state of the NFC South, the Saints could now be the favorites since they won the Derek Carr sweepstakes. An NFL scout that spoke to NFL Analysis Network is expecting some big things this year in the Big Easy and believes Carr will flourish.

“The fit with the Saints is perfect for Derek Carr. A change of scenery is exactly what he needed. I would not be surprised if he’s back to the MVP form from a few years back in New Orleans.”

The MVP level that the scout is referring to was back in 2016. Before Derek Carr suffered an injury that ended his season, he had helped the Raiders to a 12-3 record as one of the best teams in the NFL. What he accomplished in 2021, given everything surrounding the franchise, should not go without praise as well.

 This is a great situation for Derek Carr to land in as the Saints have a ton of weapons surrounding him. In the backfield, Alvin Kamara remains a dual-threat weapon and the team signed 2022 touchdown king Jamaal Williams. 

At wide receiver, Chris Olave is an emerging star after a strong rookie season and the Saints were able to work out a deal with Michael Thomas to bring him back. Juwan Johnson is an up-and-coming option at tight end as well.

The pieces are there for a quick turnaround in New Orleans. Inconsistent quarterback production is what has held them back the last two seasons, so if Derek Carr can produce at the levels at which he is capable, the team should find plenty of success in 2023.