ESPN maps out a shock scenario for New Orleans Saints involving a Derek Carr trade and Sam Darnold

As the offseason starts to unfold for the NFL, there are a lot of scenarios that could affect the future of the New Orleans Saints moving forward.

NFL offseasons are wildly unpredictable. Every year, coaches head to new teams, star players get bank-breaking contracts, and elite guys find new squads to join.

The 2025 offseason will be no different. With only the Super Bowl left to be played, fans and media members are already outlining the storylines that could define the offseason.

With the way the NFL is currently designed, quarterback movement typically steals the headlines during the offseason.

With guys like Sam Darnold, Kirk Cousins, and Russell Wilson possibly finding new teams this spring, that will certainly be the case this year as well.

The assumption is that a Sam Darnold signing is the first domino that needs to fall this offseason, and after that, various other moves will be carried out.

With that in mind, ESPN’s Ben Solak recently mapped out possible quarterback movement based on what Darnold does. Going through four different scenarios, Solak gave a detailed ripple of events that could happen with each Darnold decision.

One of those scenarios involved the New Orleans Saints, and it was the scenario centered around Darnold staying with the Minnesota Vikings. Solak argued if that happens, he could see Daniel Jones going to the Indianapolis Colts, Kirk Cousins to the Cleveland Browns, Jameis Winston to the New York Jets, Will Levis to the Las Vegas Raiders, and the Saints trading Derek Carr to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Saints trade Derek Carr to Steelers in ESPN’s wild six-team scenario
For the New Orleans part of this equation, Solak argued that if Darnold is taken off the board and stays in Minnesota, the trade market will heat up. For solid veterans that teams would be willing to part with this offseason, Derek Carr is the best.

“In Darnold’s absence, I could see the trade market getting hot for a player like Carr, the next-best option for two to three years of acceptable play. The Steelers and coach Mike Tomlin need that plug-and-play fix at quarterback to finally find some postseason wins before seats start to get too hot. Could they work with the Saints to get New Orleans some cap relief in return for Carr’s services? I think it’s doable.”

Ben Solak (ESPN)
This is definitely a scenario that would make a lot of Saints fans happy. While Carr might give the team the best chance to win of quarterbacks currently on New Orleans’ roster, the team’s ceiling hasn’t been high with him under center, and he’s certainly not the long-term answer for the franchise.

Fans are ready to move on from Carr, and place the chips on a younger quarterback that could evolve into the franchise quarterback for years to come. If another team is willing to take Derek Carr off the Saints’ hands and kickstart that process, New Orleans should be more than willing to make the trade

Report: Saints star QB situation to turn off top head coach candidate

The New Orleans Saints hiring Kellen Moore to become their new head coach is far from a done deal. The Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator cannot formally accept the job or sign a contract until after Super Bowl LIX, meaning the Saints would have to wait until Feb. 10 to cross the finish line — just like they did last year with offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak.

So things could go sideways. Moore could choose to stay on a Super Bowl contender rather than try his luck with the Saints. It’s obvious by now that the Saints aren’t an appealing destination around the league (just look at Aaron Glenn, Joe Brady, and Kliff Kingsbury all choosing to go in other directions). And one aspect that may turn off prospective coaches is the Saints’ outlook at quarterback.

The Athletic’s Dianna Russini shared what she’s heard about the situation.

“There was a little scuttlebutt,” Russini said on her Scoop City podcast, “about whether or not Kellen would want this job. And it’s due to the fact they don’t have a quarterback there already in place, that was concerning. With that being said I think he’s come around on it from what I was hearing, ‘Maybe this is the right spot for me.’”

Derek Carr is only one game over .500 as the Saints’ starter, and behind him they have one uninspiring backup in Jake Haener and a winless rookie in Spencer Rattler. Carr is also owed more than $51 million this year due to last season’s restructure and there isn’t a realistic path out of his contract in 2025. This will take time to fix. Russini says that’s partly why Moore and the Saints could actually be a good fit.

“They do (have Carr under contract). But there’s also an understanding throughout the league that the New Orleans Saints need another year to rebuild this thing. They’re in cap hell. And they’re comfortable understanding that. They know their limitations. They’re not expecting Kellen Moore to come in here, let’s just say and get the job, and turn this whole thing around. They know they need someone who’s patient with them,” Russini finished.

The Saints were conservative in free agency last year while working to clear their salary cap books, and that’s likely to be the approach again in 2025. With so many teams craving instant success around the NFL — that shortsighted approach is why Mickey Loomis put the Saints in cap hell, by the way — it’s kind of refreshing to see a path for Moore to take his time and get his own players and coaches in the building. But that path isn’t for everyone, and it’s likely why Russini picked up those rumors of discontent surrounding the Saints head coach search.

SAINTS NEWS: His efforts and dedication have taken him to another position; Saints QB Star Player Alvin Kamara Awarded the Best NFL Player Following his Historic Victory

In a remarkable turn of events, New Orleans Saints’ star running back Alvin Kamara has been awarded the NFL’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, marking a historic achievement in his illustrious career. Kamara’s exceptional performance throughout the season has not only solidified his status as one of the league’s premier players but also highlighted his versatility and leadership on the field.

Saints running back Alvin Kamara was a frequent visitor to the end zone in Dallas last Sunday.

Kamara ran for three touchdowns and caught a fourth to power the Saints’ 44-19 rout of the Cowboys in Week Two. The four touchdowns weren’t a career high for Kamara as he had six in a 2020 win over the Vikings, but they did make him an easy choice for one of the league’s weekly awards.

The NFL announced on Wednesday that Kamara has been named the NFC’s offensive player of the week. It’s the third time Kamara has taken the honors with a 2021 game joining the six-touchdown effort on the honor roll.

Kamara and the Saints will try to move to 3-0 against the Eagles this weekend.

DEAL DONE: NFL News: Good to have you back Denver Broncos HC, saints Former HC Sean Payton has sign a contract with New Orleans Saints with the sum of $875.7 millions for 4years following……see more

In a surprising turn of events, former New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton is returning to the team he once led to a Super Bowl victory. After a two-year hiatus from the NFL, Payton has inked a massive $875.7 million, four-year contract with the Saints, marking a dramatic new chapter for both Payton and the franchise. This deal has sent ripples through the NFL, raising eyebrows and generating excitement among fans, analysts, and players alike.

A Long-Awaited Return

Sean Payton’s return to the NFL has been a topic of speculation ever since he stepped away from coaching in 2022. During his time off, Payton worked as a television analyst, keeping a close eye on the league while reflecting on his future. Rumors circulated about his potential return, with various teams seen as potential suitors. However, the news that Payton would return to the Saints, a team with which he has such a deep connection, came as a surprise to many.

Payton’s tenure in New Orleans was one of the most successful in NFL history. He served as the head coach of the Saints from 2006 to 2021, transforming the team from perennial underachievers to Super Bowl champions. Under his leadership, the Saints became a perennial contender, with Payton’s offensive schemes and leadership at the helm.

But what’s behind Payton’s return, and why did he choose now to come back to the Saints rather than pursue opportunities elsewhere? Let’s break down the details surrounding this groundbreaking contract and what it means for both Payton and the New Orleans Saints.

Payton’s Legacy in New Orleans

Sean Payton’s first stint with the New Orleans Saints is one of the most storied coaching careers in NFL history. When he took over as head coach in 2006, the Saints were a franchise in turmoil, struggling both on and off the field. However, Payton’s arrival marked the beginning of a golden era for the team.

Payton’s impact on the Saints was immediate, as he revitalized the offense with his innovative play-calling and knack for developing quarterbacks. The most notable of these quarterbacks, of course, was Drew Brees, who became one of the most prolific quarterbacks in NFL history under Payton’s tutelage. Together, Payton and Brees led the Saints to their first and only Super Bowl title during the 2009 season, a victory that solidified Payton’s status as one of the top coaches in the NFL.

In addition to the Super Bowl win, Payton’s tenure in New Orleans was marked by consistent playoff appearances, a dynamic offense, and a brand of football that was both exciting and effective. Payton was known for his aggressive play-calling, his ability to adjust on the fly, and his relentless drive to win. He was also instrumental in developing young talent, as evidenced by his work with players like Alvin Kamara, Michael Thomas, and a slew of other Saints stars.

Despite some tumultuous seasons and controversy surrounding the Bountygate scandal, Payton’s legacy in New Orleans remains intact. His return signals the end of a coaching drought for the Saints, who have been in a rebuilding phase since Payton’s departure. The question now is whether Payton can bring the same level of success to New Orleans in this new era of the team.

The Massive Contract: A Game-Changer for the NFL

At $875.7 million over four years, Sean Payton’s new contract with the New Orleans Saints is one of the largest ever signed by a coach in professional sports. The deal reflects the immense faith that the Saints organization has in Payton’s ability to restore the franchise to its former glory. But it also signifies a major shift in the way NFL teams are approaching head coach contracts.

Historically, NFL coaches have never come close to matching the salary levels of top players. However, the increasing emphasis on coaching as a critical factor in a team’s success, as well as the rising revenues in the league, has made it clear that top-tier coaches are worth far more than they have traditionally been paid. The Saints’ massive commitment to Payton sets a new benchmark in the industry and is likely to have a ripple effect across the NFL.

For Payton, the contract is a testament to his reputation as one of the league’s elite minds. At 61 years old, Payton has plenty of coaching left in him, and this contract ensures that he will be well compensated for his expertise and leadership.

The contract also includes performance-based bonuses, which could push the total value of the deal even higher. The Saints have made it clear that Payton’s success on the field, including playoff appearances and Super Bowl aspirations, will directly impact his earnings. This results-based structure means that both Payton and the Saints are highly incentivized to deliver immediate success, making the stakes even higher.

The Denver Broncos Factor: Payton’s Brief Foray into Denver

Before rejoining the Saints, Payton had a brief but intense tenure with the Denver Broncos. The Broncos, looking to recover from years of mediocrity, brought in Payton as a potential savior. He was widely regarded as one of the best coaching minds in the NFL, and many believed his arrival in Denver would turn around the team’s fortunes.

However, the experiment in Denver didn’t go as planned. Payton’s hard-nosed coaching style clashed with some of the existing players, and his offense didn’t initially produce the results the team had hoped for. Despite a talented roster, the Broncos struggled to find their footing under Payton’s leadership, leading to questions about whether the head coach was the right fit.

There were whispers about Payton’s departure from Denver even before his eventual return to New Orleans, with many speculating that the move was motivated by the opportunity to return to a familiar environment where he had already established a winning culture. The Saints were in the midst of a rebuilding phase, and Payton’s leadership and knowledge of the franchise made him the perfect candidate to help steer the ship back on course.

What This Means for the New Orleans Saints

For the New Orleans Saints, Sean Payton’s return is nothing short of a transformative moment. The team has struggled since his departure, failing to make a significant playoff run and experiencing a decline in both offense and overall performance. The Saints were left searching for their next great head coach, and Payton’s return could very well be the answer to their problems.

Under Payton’s guidance, the Saints will likely return to a more aggressive, high-powered offensive scheme. Payton’s ability to develop quarterbacks will be crucial, especially as the team looks to find a successor to Drew Brees. The Saints have a strong roster of skilled players, and Payton’s return gives them a renewed sense of hope and purpose.

It’s also important to note that Payton’s relationship with the New Orleans community played a large role in his decision to come back. Payton was beloved by the fans and was a key figure in the city’s recovery after Hurricane Katrina. His return represents not just a football move, but a symbolic one, as the city and the team look to rise from the ashes of the past few years.

The Road Ahead for Sean Payton and the New Orleans Saints

With Payton back in charge, the road ahead will be filled with high expectations. The pressure to win will be immense, but Payton has shown time and time again that he thrives under such circumstances. The Saints’ front office has invested heavily in Payton, and they expect results.

The team will look to make moves in the offseason to further strengthen their roster, particularly at quarterback. While the Saints still have a solid foundation with players like Alvin Kamara, Michael Thomas, and Cam Jordan, it’s clear that Payton will need to put his stamp on the team by developing a quarterback who can lead them into the future.

There is also the looming question of the NFC South, a division that has seen significant changes in recent years. Teams like the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are all looking to compete for the division crown, which will add an extra layer of intensity to the Saints’ journey.

But with Sean Payton back at the helm, the Saints now have the one thing they’ve lacked in recent years: a proven winner. Payton’s legacy as one of the best head coaches in NFL history makes him the ideal candidate to restore the Saints to their former greatness. The city of New Orleans and the team’s fanbase are ecstatic to have him back, and all eyes will be on Payton as he begins this new chapter in his storied career.

Conclusion

Sean Payton’s return to the New Orleans Saints is one of the most significant moves in recent NFL history. The combination of a massive contract, Payton’s proven track record, and the fresh start for the franchise has made this deal one of the most closely watched in the league. As Payton returns to the team he built into a Super Bowl contender, all attention will be on his ability to recreate the magic that made the Saints one of the most dangerous teams in the NFL during his first stint. The future looks bright for New Orleans, and with Payton leading the charge, the Saints could soon be back at the top of the NFC.

New Orleans Saints

New Orleans saints RB Alvin Saints’ Alvin Kamara wants new contract, but won’t…

IRVINE, Calif. — New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara confirmed his request for a new contract on Wednesday, but he made it clear he won’t hold out from training camp while those talks are ongoing.

“I ain’t stupid, I ain’t going to give the money up. I’m trying to get some money,” Kamara joked in his first public comments since he skipped the final practice of mandatory minicamp in June.

There have been several high profile holdouts across the league this week as teams begin practice, with some including fines of $40,000 to $50,000 for each missed day. Kamara doesn’t plan to join that group, despite his disappointment that no significant progress has been made on a new deal.

Kamara participated in all parts of the Saints’ first practice Wednesday, including 11-on-11 drills. He indicated he does not plan to hold in — report to camp but sit out portions of practice, ala San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.

Kamara said that he doesn’t think it would be fair to his teammates to skip practice when the contract issues are only between him and the front office.

“It’s no one that has a jersey on,” Kamara said. “… I wouldn’t even blame any coaches for what’s going on with the contract issues right now, right? This happens all across the league. It happens here, it happens everywhere. … I’d be a fool to spite my teammates because of a dispute I’m having with upstairs. I wouldn’t even call it a dispute; we’re just having conversations.”

Kamara has two years remaining on the five-year extension he signed prior to the 2020 season, but has no guaranteed money left after this season. His 2024 salary cap hit of $18.5 million is the highest on the team, but the Saints elected not to restructure his deal, as they could save almost $19 million next year if they released him without a restructured contract.

Kamara, however, expected his deal to be restructured — like it was in 2022 and 2023 — but after no progress was made in the spring, he sent a message by skipping the final practice of minicamp. And the decision not to restructure Kamara’s contract was made more notable when the Saints restructured or addressed every other major contract on the roster.

“There was other talks about other things that I’m not going to get into, but I guess there were some feelings that I didn’t do something that they wanted me to do, and we’re here now,” Kamara said. “So it ain’t really been too many conversations.”

Kamara said his search for a new contract is about looking ahead long-term and that he’d like to retire as a Saint.

“I want to be a Saint for a long time, for as long as my career goes. That’s all I’m looking for really,” Kamara said. “I mean some people say the money don’t matter. The money does matter.

“But in the grand scheme of things, I made a lot of money and I do well off the field also. … I want it to be fair but … as far as money goes, I’m not chasing nothing that’s outlandish or that’s … off-putting.”

Kamara, who turns 29 on Thursday, said he understands his age and two disappointing seasons likely factor into how the front office is approaching his contract. He countered that he doesn’t feel like he’s anywhere close to done.

“It was obviously disappointing the past two years I had and I’m not going to point fingers at what it was and I just know I don’t feel like I’m on the decline,” Kamara said. “I feel like I can play for four or five more years if I want to …

“But I think that’s probably part of the conversation. And then at this position [running back], we always get the ages thrown at us. … There’s like a reluctancy to commit to an aging body at this position. It’s situational, but at the same time it is what it is. I’m here, I’m going to come out here and do what I do. My bones don’t hurt, my legs are working, my hands work. I don’t feel like I have aging running back body syndrome.”

Kamara said he does not have a timetable in mind for something to get done and said he plans on playing this season.

“I’m here. I’m playing. I plan on playing. So if there’s no commitment to years after this, I feel like y’all pay attention to football more than me. You know what that means,” he said, laughing.

When asked one more time to clarify if he was playing the entire season if a new contract doesn’t happen, Kamara focused his attention to the present.

“I’m here today. Weather’s beautiful, I’m breathing. I got a good practice in, I’m here with my teammates” Kamara said. “We’ll see what happens.”