The New Orleans Saints are facing a looming financial predicament as quarterback Derek Carr’s health continues to raise concerns.
Carr, who fractured his left hand in Week 15, is reportedly “very unlikely” to return this season, with just three games remaining.
Saints’ $30 Million problem after underwhelming season
While his absence may only impact the remainder of a lost season for the 5-9 Saints, the monetary implications for 2025 could be far more severe.
Carr’s current contract guarantees him $40 million for the 2025 season.
Of that amount, $10 million is fully guaranteed, while another $30 million becomes guaranteed for injury if he cannot pass a physical before a critical March deadline.
If Carr remains unable to prove his fitness by then, the Saints would have no choice but to pay the full $30 million-a significant blow to the team’s salary cap.
The situation is further complicated by conflicting reports regarding Carr’s recovery timeline.
Interim head coach Darren Rizzi had initially held out hope that Carr might return as early as Week 16, but further evaluations have ruled that out.
With his status in question, the Saints could soon find themselves in a high-stakes showdown.
In a worst-case scenario, the Saints might argue that Carr is healthy, while Carr maintains that his injuries-both the fractured hand and a recent concussion-are unresolved.
If that happens, the matter could escalate to a grievance process, where an arbitrator would determine whether Carr is fit to play, with $30 million hanging in the balance.
Meanwhile, the Saints’ on-field focus has shifted to their remaining quarterbacks.
Spencer Rattler provided a spark in relief of Jake Haener during Week 15’s narrow loss to Washington, reigniting speculation that he may get the nod for the final games of the season.
With the playoffs all but out of reach, New Orleans may use the opportunity to evaluate Rattler’s long-term potential as a starting option.
For now, all eyes are on Carr’s recovery and what the future holds.
The Saints face difficult decisions, both on the field and financially, that could define their 2025 season.
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