Why Derek Carr's Injury Could Cost Saints $40 Million

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt De Lima | Last updated Dec 9, 2024 3:08 PM ET

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr has a "significant" fracture in his non-throwing hand after taking a hard fall against the New York Giants in Week 14. New Orleans will have to decide between backups Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener with Carr out indefinitely.

To make matters worse, Carr's 2025 base salary, $30 million, would be fully guaranteed because of injury. An additional $10 million is guaranteed as a roster bonus next year, for a total of $40 million.

The injury guarantee would take effect on March 12, 2025, the first day of the new league year.

Should the Saints decide to release Carr before June 1, they would be hit with just over $50 million in dead cap penalties, or they could spread the dead cap between 2025 and 2026 should they designate him as a post-June 1 release, per Spotrac.

Important to note: #Saints QB Derek Carr has a $30M injury guarantee for 2025 that becomes fully guaranteed if he can’t pass a physical in the offseason. It’s likely New Orleans is keeping that in mind throughout this process.

Carr already has $10M guaranteed to him in 2025.… https://t.co/UzXI3hn7NY
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 9, 2024

Injuries have plagued the Saints' season. Thankfully, the early reports suggest Carr will not be placed on injured reserve but will be evaluated week-to-week. The team's top three wide receivers and tight end Taysom Hill are on injured reserve.

However, New Orleans has won three of its last four games after a seven-game losing streak. The Saints have improved since firing head coach Dennis Allen after Week 9.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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