NEWS UPDATE: Derek Carr Decommits from New Orleans Saints, Commits to Atlanta Falcons Over Steelers, Titans, and Bengals
Atlanta, Georgia — In a shocking and unexpected turn of events, veteran quarterback Derek Carr has officially decommitted from the New Orleans Saints and pledged his future to the Atlanta Falcons. Carr, who had verbally committed to the Saints earlier in the offseason, has chosen to sign with the Falcons, opting for a fresh start in Atlanta over offers from the Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans, and Cincinnati Bengals.
Carr made the surprising announcement on January 3, 2025, revealing that after extensive discussions with his family, agents, and coaching staff, he had made the decision to join the Falcons’ promising offensive unit. The news is already sending shockwaves through both the NFC South and the entire NFL, given Carr’s stature as a well-established quarterback with a wealth of experience.
The Unfolding Story: Derek Carr’s Early Commitment to the Saints
Derek Carr, a four-time Pro Bowl quarterback, has been one of the more notable free-agent quarterbacks on the market in recent years. After spending nine seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders, Carr was traded to the New Orleans Saints in March 2024. The Saints’ decision to acquire Carr was seen as a move to stabilize their quarterback situation and position themselves as contenders in the NFC South.
Carr’s signing with New Orleans initially generated a sense of optimism among Saints fans, who were eager to see the veteran quarterback take over the reins after the retirement of Drew Brees. The 32-year-old Carr, known for his strong arm and leadership skills, was expected to be the missing piece that could elevate the Saints’ offense and help them compete in a division that was up for grabs.
However, Carr’s commitment to New Orleans never felt entirely secure. Despite the excitement surrounding his arrival in the Crescent City, Carr began to have second thoughts as the offseason progressed. Several other teams, including the Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans, and Cincinnati Bengals, continued to express interest in acquiring Carr, leading to speculation that the quarterback could eventually reconsider his commitment.
Derek Carr’s Decision: Why Atlanta?
Carr’s ultimate decision to flip his commitment from the Saints to the Atlanta Falcons is a stunning one, given the Falcons’ rise as one of the most intriguing teams in the NFC. After a promising 2024 season under head coach Arthur Smith, the Falcons were seen as a team on the verge of becoming a playoff contender, and Carr’s leadership was seen as the final piece to put them over the top.
In a statement issued shortly after his commitment, Carr explained the factors that led to his decision. “After a lot of reflection and time spent evaluating my options, I truly believe that the Atlanta Falcons offer the best opportunity for me to continue to grow as a quarterback and lead a team to success,” Carr said. “I’ve always been impressed by the direction Coach Smith has the team headed in, and I’m excited to be a part of that vision. I believe we can achieve something special in Atlanta, and I’m looking forward to getting to work.”
Carr’s choice of the Falcons over the Steelers, Titans, and Bengals is notable for several reasons. The Falcons have an intriguing mix of talent on offense, including young playmakers like running back Bijan Robinson and wide receiver Drake London, both of whom are seen as future stars in the NFL. Additionally, the Falcons’ solid offensive line and strong defensive unit provide Carr with a balanced team that can compete right away.
In comparison, the Steelers, Titans, and Bengals each had their own appeal but presented different challenges. The Steelers have a solid defense but have struggled with offensive consistency in recent years. The Titans, while featuring a potent running game with Derrick Henry, have lacked stability at quarterback. The Bengals, with Joe Burrow leading the offense, were seen as a strong contender but Carr ultimately chose Atlanta for what he believes is a more promising situation.
Atlanta Falcons: A New Era with Derek Carr
The Atlanta Falcons, who have been rebuilding under head coach Arthur Smith, now have a legitimate starting quarterback to lead their offense for the foreseeable future. Carr’s addition gives the Falcons a proven, veteran presence under center, someone who has seen success in the NFL and is capable of guiding the team to playoff contention.
“Adding Derek to our team is a game-changer,” said Falcons head coach Arthur Smith in a statement. “He’s a proven leader, a talented quarterback, and someone who knows what it takes to win in this league. We’re thrilled to have him on board, and we’re confident that he’s the right player to help elevate our offense. We’ve got a talented group of playmakers, and Derek’s leadership and experience will be invaluable as we continue to build towards a championship-caliber team.”
The Falcons have a dynamic offense led by young stars like running back Bijan Robinson, who is coming off an impressive rookie season, and wide receiver Drake London, who is emerging as one of the top receiving threats in the league. With Carr now in the fold, the Falcons have the potential to create a dangerous, well-balanced offense that can compete with the best in the NFC.
Saints React to Derek Carr’s Decommitment
The New Orleans Saints, who were banking on Carr as their quarterback of the future, are now left to pick up the pieces after his decommitment. While the Saints were initially disappointed by Carr’s decision to leave, the franchise remains committed to finding a long-term solution at the quarterback position.
“We are obviously disappointed that Derek has chosen to pursue other opportunities,” said Saints head coach Dennis Allen. “We wish him nothing but the best, but we are moving forward with our plans to build a winning team here in New Orleans. We have confidence in the pieces we’ve put in place, and we are committed to finding the right quarterback to lead us to success.”
As of now, the Saints have several options to explore, including potentially looking for a veteran quarterback through trade or free agency, or possibly turning to their younger quarterbacks on the roster. New Orleans will now need to adjust its strategy and reassess its quarterback position, knowing that Carr will not be a part of their future.
Steelers, Titans, and Bengals: The Fallout
The other teams in the mix for Carr — the Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans, and Cincinnati Bengals — will likely pivot to other quarterback options as well. For the Steelers, who have been searching for a long-term solution since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement, Carr’s decommitment signals that they may need to explore different avenues to find their next franchise quarterback.
Similarly, the Titans, who have been in quarterback limbo since Ryan Tannehill’s decline, will continue their search for a signal-caller who can lead them to another postseason appearance. And while the Bengals have their star quarterback in Joe Burrow, they will likely be looking to improve their backup and overall quarterback depth.
Each of these teams will now be forced to reevaluate their options in light of Carr’s commitment to the Falcons.
The Big Picture: A New Challenge for Derek Carr
Carr’s decision to leave the Saints and join the Falcons represents the beginning of a new chapter in his career. With over a decade of experience in the NFL, Carr will now look to lead an up-and-coming Atlanta team with the goal of returning the Falcons to playoff contention and, eventually, Super Bowl glory.
For the Falcons, this is a defining moment in their rebuilding process. Carr’s leadership, combined with the team’s young talent, positions Atlanta to make a serious push in the NFC South and beyond. The next few seasons will be critical for both Carr and the Falcons as they look to make their mark in the NFL’s competitive landscape.
Stay tuned for further updates on Derek Carr’s journey with the Atlanta Falcons and more breaking news from around the NFL.
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