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

The New Orleans Saints brought in Derek Carr as their new starting quarterback, and the team is now expanding one of its key playmakers.

The New Orleans Saints announced early in the season that they were interested in quarterback Derek Carr. That was evident when they met up with Carr after getting permission to talk to him from the Las Vegas Raiders in an effort to trade on his behalf. But, after being released by the Raiders, the Saints ended up getting Carr on a four-year, $150 million contract to be their newest quarterback.

Carr is in a key position to succeed in what the NFC South has become vulnerable. As it turns out, the Saints do everything they can to make sure it works.

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

There has been progress recently in talks between the Saints and Mike Thomas over a contract extension, according to sources. It’s not over yet, but the talks are fruitful.

— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) March 9, 2023

Saints, Michael Thomas are said to be 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 list, he has had issues staying healthy in recent years. Since the 2019 season where he led the league in receptions and receiving yards, he has only played 10 games in the past three seasons. He missed the entire 2021 campaign with an ankle injury, in which he suffered a setback in his recovery. Then, last season, he only played in three games before he was shut out with a toe injury.

Even with injuries, Thomas is one of the best pass forwards in the game when healthy. This is certainly an ideal situation for Karr, as he will have Thomas and Chris Olaf to target the pitch. Not to mention, they could add another first-round wide with their 29th overall pick.

With the quarterback issue seemingly resolved with Carr, the Saints are ensuring he has all the players to make it and return to the playoffs for the first time since 2020.

Source link