Derek Carr Gets Saints GM's Vote Of Confidence: "We Can Win"

3 min read Post on Feb 28, 2025

Derek Carr Gets Saints GM's Vote of Confidence: "We Can Win"

New Orleans, LA – The New Orleans Saints' offseason has been anything but quiet, and a key storyline has centered around quarterback Derek Carr. After a somewhat underwhelming first season in the black and gold, questions lingered about his future with the team. However, those questions were largely silenced this week with a resounding vote of confidence from Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis. In a press conference addressing the team's upcoming season, Loomis declared, "We believe in Derek Carr. We can win with Derek Carr."

This statement carries significant weight, dispelling rumors that had circulated about the Saints potentially exploring other quarterback options. The declaration signifies not only a commitment to Carr for the 2024 season but also a belief in his ability to lead the team to playoff contention.

Loomis Doubles Down on Carr's Potential

Loomis's confidence in Carr isn't merely a platitude; he backed it up with specific points. He highlighted Carr's experience, leadership qualities, and the improved offensive weapons surrounding him as key factors in his optimistic outlook. The addition of highly touted offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr. is also seen as a crucial element in unlocking Carr's full potential. Carmichael's history of success with Drew Brees is a significant selling point, and the Saints front office clearly believes he can replicate that magic with Carr.

Addressing the Doubters: Carr's Performance in 2023

Carr's first season in New Orleans wasn't without its challenges. While he showcased moments of brilliance, inconsistency plagued his performance at times. Some critics pointed to a lack of chemistry with his receivers and a struggling offensive line as contributing factors. However, Loomis acknowledged these difficulties, stating that the team is committed to bolstering the offensive line and further developing the team's chemistry through offseason training and practices.

Key Factors Contributing to the Vote of Confidence

Several factors contribute to the Saints' unwavering faith in Carr:

Improved Offensive Line: The Saints are actively working to improve the offensive line, a critical aspect for any quarterback's success. This focus directly addresses one of the major criticisms leveled against Carr's performance last year.
Strong Receiving Corps: New Orleans boasts a talented group of receivers, including Chris Olave, Michael Thomas (pending health), and Rashid Shaheed. This impressive receiving corps provides Carr with the weapons needed to excel.
Pete Carmichael Jr.’s Offensive Prowess: The arrival of Carmichael, a highly respected offensive coordinator with a proven track record, adds a crucial element to the equation. His ability to tailor the offense to Carr's strengths is expected to significantly boost the team's overall performance.
Carr's Leadership: Beyond statistics, Loomis emphasized Carr's leadership qualities and positive influence within the locker room. A strong leader is essential for a team's success, especially in navigating the challenges of a competitive NFL season.

Looking Ahead: Playoff Hopes for the Saints

With the vote of confidence secured, the focus shifts to the upcoming season. The Saints are aiming for a significant improvement, hoping to challenge for a playoff spot in a fiercely competitive NFC South. The success of this plan hinges heavily on Carr's performance, and the Saints' front office appears fully committed to providing him with the necessary support and resources to succeed. The coming months will reveal whether this optimistic assessment is justified, but for now, the message from the Saints is clear: Derek Carr is their quarterback, and they believe they can win with him.