The New Orleans Saints needed a new quarterback, it was that simple. 2022 wasn't quite up to his normal standards, but Derek Carr did make his fourth Pro Bowl.

It was enough to put Carr at the forefront of the quarterback search for the Saints and he signed a long-term deal back in March. One major outlet thinks New Orleans made a good choice. 

Carr didn't make the top 10 but he was an honorable mention selection on ESPN's quarterback list.

Despite a down year in Las Vegas that led to his benching and eventual release, Carr signed a four-year, $150 million deal with New Orleans, showing his value in the quarterback conversation.

He cracked the top 12 last season.

"Quick processor and highly accurate," a high-ranking NFC official said. "He can also handle heavily game-plan installs. Very smart."

Even in a down year, Carr ranked 14th in QBR (55.5). And the season before, he was prolific with 4,804 passing yards and a 68.4 completion percentage. –Jeremy Fowler, ESPN 

Carr will now have Michael Thomas and Chris Olave to throw to at the wide receiver position, plus the Saints brought in tight end Foster Moreau who he played with for four seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders so there's big-time chemistry already established there. 

The former second-round pick also has another thing going for him in New Orleans. The offense that the Saints run has West Coast principles in it which is what Carr was used to in Las Vegas. 

All the ingredients are there for Carr to succeed in 2023.

ESPN insider thinks Derek Carr can resurrect Drew Brees’ championship culture

This was quite the compliment.

Feature image via Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports