Derek Carr Declares He Won’t Accept a Pay Cut for 2025
Derek Carr remains firm on his stance against a pay cut for 2025, emphasizing his commitment to his worth and future with the Saints.
Derek Carr, New Orleans Saints, NFL, 2025 Contract, Mickey Loomis, Gayle Benson
New Orleans: So, Derek Carr is making it clear that he’s not interested in taking a pay cut for 2025. When he joined the Saints after leaving the Raiders, his contract was set up with a two-year guarantee and a team option after that.
We’ll soon see what the Saints decide to do. For now, Carr is feeling pretty good about the talks he’s had with the team.
He mentioned that he’s had “super positive” conversations with everyone, including G.M. Mickey Loomis and owner Gayle Benson. Carr feels confident about what’s ahead, even though they faced some challenges last season.
His $30 million salary for 2025 is set to become fully guaranteed in March. Right now, it’s only guaranteed for injury. If his hand injury doesn’t heal enough for him to pass a physical, that money will kick in.
One thing is for sure: Carr isn’t going to take less money. He said, “I wouldn’t take a pay cut.” He’s open to restructuring his deal to help the team, but he believes he’s earned what he’s set to make.
Most contracts like his allow teams to restructure without needing the player’s approval. This usually means converting part of the salary into guaranteed payments spread over several years, which helps lower the cap hit for the current year.
It looks like a restructuring is on the horizon since his cap number for next year is a hefty $51.458 million.
If the Saints decide to cut him, it would cost them $11.458 million in dead money for 2025, plus another $28.674 million in 2026.
He also has a $10 million roster bonus due in March, which would be affected if he’s released. The Saints could avoid that payment if he signs with another team for more than $10 million in 2025.
Plus, the team is looking for a new head coach, who will likely have a say in whether Carr stays or goes.
If he does get cut, it’ll happen early enough in free agency for him to find a new team. But all of this hinges on whether his hand heals by mid-March. If it doesn’t, he’ll be owed $40 million, fully guaranteed.