According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the New Orleans Saints could keep Derek Carr as the team’s starting quarterback in 2025 due to a lack of salary cap flexibility.

“Whoever takes over as coach in New Orleans is going to have a big quarterback question,” Schefter said in an appearance at Monday night countdown. “But at the moment, because this team is so stuck on the edge, Derek Carr is probably back next year. You don’t have much flexibility, he makes the most sense. And it certainly looks like he could be.” Back next season.

The 33-year-old played ten games for New Orleans in 2024, finishing with a record of 5-5. The Saints currently sit in third place in the NFC South standings with an overall record of 5-9.

According to Over the Cap, New Orleans is projected to be $63.8 million over the 2025 salary cap.

As for Carr, he has signed with the Saints for two more seasons. He will have a cap hit of $51.5 million in 2025 and a cap hit of $61.5 million in 2026, via Spotrac. Carr also has a guaranteed roster bonus of $10 million for next season.

His $30 million base salary for his next year in New Orleans will also become fully guaranteed on the third day of the 2025 league year (h/t ESPN’s Katherine Terrell).

Carr has not exceeded expectations with the Saints, as they have failed to make the playoffs in both seasons since he joined the team in March 2023.

In the veteran’s 10 starts this year, he completed 67.7 percent of his throws for 2,145 yards and 15 touchdowns, compared to five interceptions. His average of 214.5 yards per game through the air represents his lowest total since 2014.

However, a lack of superior options could keep Carr in the black and gold next season. Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener started under center in the games he missed, with neither player standing out.

The two combined to complete 54.7 percent of their throws for 932 yards and three touchdowns compared to three interceptions.

If the Saints don’t find a way to get some cap relief, they may enter the 2025 season with a familiar face at quarterback.