NFL rumors: Saints working to extend key playmaker for Derek Carr

March 10, 2023 ndowd

The New Orleans Saints brought in Derek Carr to be their new quarterback, and the team is now working to extend one of their key playmakers.

The New Orleans Saints made it known early this offseason that they were interested in quarterback Derek Carr. That was evident as they met with Carr after receiving permission to speak with him from the Las Vegas Raiders in an effort to trade for him. But, after the Raiders released him, the Saints still ended up acquiring Carr on a four-year, $150 million contract to be their newest quarterback.

Carr is in prime position to succeed in what has become a weak NFC South. As it turns out, the Saints are doing everything they can to make sure he succeeds.

According to Saints insider Nick Underhill, there has been progress made between the Saints and wide receiver Michael Thomas in contract extension talks.

There has been progress recently in conversations between the Saints and Mike Thomas on a contract extension, according to sources. Not done yet, but talks are productive.

— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) March 9, 2023

Saints, Michael Thomas reportedly making progress in contract extension talks

Thomas is about to enter the fourth year of his five-year, $96.5 million contract with New Orleans, becoming a free agent after the 2024 season.

While Thomas is a big name on the roster, he has had issues staying healthy in recent years. Ever since the 2019 season where he led the league in receptions and receiving yards, he has played in just 10 games in the past three seasons. He missed the entirety of the 2021 campaign due to an ankle injury, one in which he suffered a setback in his recovery. Then, this past season, he played in just three games before being shut down due to a toe injury.

Even with the injuries, Thomas is one of the better pass-catchers in the game when healthy. That is certainly an ideal situation for Carr, as he would have Thomas and Chris Olave to target downfield. Not to mention, they could add another wideout in the first round with their 29th-overall selection.

With their quarterback problem seemingly solved with Carr, the Saints are ensuring he has all of the players to succeed and make their return to the playoffs for the first time since 2020.

source