The Saints QB Carousel: Derek Carr's Future and a Rising Contender

Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, August 20th 2025 at 1:12 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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The New Orleans Saints’ quarterback situation remains a fascinating drama, one that has captivated fans and analysts alike throughout the offseason and into the early stages of training camp. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the team is evaluating both veteran Derek Carr and young challenger Jake Mills, with the latter showing surprising progress and creating genuine competition for the starting role. This article delves into the current landscape of the Saints' quarterback room, examining Carr’s performance, Mills’ emergence, and what it all means for New Orleans’ 2024 season.

Derek Carr arrived in New Orleans last year with considerable fanfare, expected to bring stability and a much-needed offensive boost after years of inconsistent play at the position. While he wasn't necessarily bad, his performance fell short of expectations. He completed 61.3% of his passes for 2,571 yards, 18 touchdowns, and nine interceptions in 11 games before being benched. The offense under Carr often lacked dynamism and struggled to consistently move the ball downfield. While injuries to key offensive players certainly didn't help, the lack of a palpable spark was a recurring criticism.

Carr’s contract situation further complicates matters. He is entering the final year of his deal, with a hefty $15.9 million guaranteed for 2024. This significant financial commitment puts pressure on the Saints to maximize his value and performance. However, the team also needs to consider its long-term quarterback plan. At 33 years old, Carr isn't a long-term solution, making the emergence of Jake Mills all the more intriguing.

Enter Jake Mills. The undrafted free agent out of Troy has been generating considerable buzz throughout training camp. While few were paying close attention to his arrival initially, Mills’ performance on the field has forced everyone to take notice. Schefter reports that Mills is displaying a strong arm, impressive accuracy, and surprising command of the offense. He's demonstrating qualities rarely seen from undrafted rookies, let alone those competing for starting roles.

Mills isn't just showing flashes; he’s consistently performing well in practice and preseason games. His poise under pressure and ability to make quick decisions have impressed coaches and teammates alike. While his sample size remains small, the early returns are overwhelmingly positive. The fact that Mills is even considered a legitimate contender for the starting job speaks volumes about his progress and the Saints' willingness to evaluate talent regardless of pedigree.

The competition between Carr and Mills isn’t necessarily adversarial; it appears to be fostering a healthy environment where both players can improve. Carr, despite the challenge, has reportedly been supportive of Mills, recognizing his potential and offering guidance. This dynamic is beneficial for the team as a whole, pushing both quarterbacks to elevate their game.

However, the reality remains that Mills faces an uphill battle. He’s competing against a veteran with NFL experience and a significant financial investment from the organization. The Saints are likely to proceed cautiously with Mills, allowing him to develop at his own pace while evaluating Carr's performance. A full-blown starting role for Mills in Week 1 is unlikely, but he could certainly see meaningful playing time, particularly if Carr struggles or suffers an injury.

The situation also highlights the importance of a strong coaching staff and a supportive environment for young players to thrive. Head Coach Dennis Allen and offensive coordinator Klint Ebersbach have created a system that allows Mills to showcase his abilities without being overwhelmed by pressure. The team’s commitment to developing talent, regardless of draft status, is evident in Mills' rapid ascent.

Looking ahead, the Saints’ quarterback situation remains fluid. Carr will likely be the starter for now, but Mills’ continued progress could force a reassessment down the line. The team’s success hinges not only on who takes the snaps but also on how effectively they manage this complex dynamic. A healthy competition between Carr and Mills ultimately benefits the Saints, providing them with valuable depth and potentially uncovering a future franchise quarterback in Jake Mills.

The next few weeks of training camp and preseason games will be crucial in determining the final outcome. Fans will be watching closely to see if Derek Carr can regain his form and solidify his position as the team’s leader or if Jake Mills can continue his surprising rise and force his way into a more prominent role. Regardless of what happens, one thing is certain: the Saints' quarterback battle is far from over, and it promises to be an engaging storyline throughout the 2024 season.

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The Saints QB Carousel: Derek Carr's Future and a Rising Contender

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