Quarterback Derek Carr called signing with the Saints a “dream-come-true moment” during his introductory press conference on Saturday in New Orleans.
The former Raiders signal-caller put pen to paper on a four-year contract worth a reported $150 million. The deal is said to include $70 million guaranteed, including $60 million at signing.
“Thank you so much. This really is a dream-come-true moment for me,” Carr said. “The warmth and the love that I’ve felt … has been unbelievable.”
Done Deal: @DerekCarrQB signs with the #Saints ?? pic.twitter.com/VTWZE346sl
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) March 11, 2023
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Saints head coach Dennis Allen was the head coach of the Raiders when they drafted Carr in 2014. Carr said Allen was a big reason why he opted to sign with New Orleans.
"How I feel about this man, hopefully me sitting here tells you what I think about him," Carr said of Allen. "He trusted me with the keys to an organization. . . . We're just getting started, though. All that's in the past."
The Saints began last season with Jameis Winston as their starter but used Taysom Hill and Andy Dalton on the way to a 7-10 season.
In his nine seasons with the Raiders, Carr played for six head coaches, went 63-79 as a starter and led the team to the playoffs twice without a win. He didn't play in the 2016 season postseason game due to a broken leg.
"I wouldn't be me if I didn't say thank you to them," Carr said of the Raiders. "I had nine great years there. A lot of great memories."
Carr, who turns 32 later this month, set franchise records of 35,222 yards and 217 touchdowns. He is a four-time Pro Bowl selection, including this season when he passed for 3,522 yards, 24 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
–Field Level Media
