New Orleans Saints make final decision on QB Derek Carr official, and it will help them tremendously next year

The New Orleans Saints have dealt with tons of change this offseason. One of the biggest moves of the entire NFL offseason was the announcement of retirement from QB Derek Carr. It came a bit out of nowhere, but the Saints were prepared for it.  On Tuesday afternoon, that decision became a bit more official […]

Adam Holt NFL News Writer
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The New Orleans Saints have dealt with tons of change this offseason. One of the biggest moves of the entire NFL offseason was the announcement of retirement from QB Derek Carr. It came a bit out of nowhere, but the Saints were prepared for it. 

On Tuesday afternoon, that decision became a bit more official around the league and for the Saints as an organization. 

Saints make retirement official for Derek Carr

Via the NFL's official transaction wire, the Saints placed quarterback Derek Carr on the reserve/retired list. That officially puts an end to his time in New Orleans.

With that move becoming official, there are some salary cap ramifications that come along with it for New Orleans. The Saints will get back Carr’s remaining base salary of $1.255 million in salary cap for this year. That's less important than next year's change, though. 

Next year's cap space

The Saints will deal with $28.745 million less in dead cap space than previously believed. That is due to Carr's agreement to leave the Saints his original $30 million in base salary. New Orleans did pay out Carr’s $10 million roster bonus this offseason. You can consider that a parting gift – if you'd like. 

Regardless, this closes the door on Carr's tumultuous tenure in New Orleans, alongside Dennis Allen. The Saints have a new coaching staff, led by Kellen Moore, along with a new QB in the fold with rookie Tyler Shough. 

Carr finished his career with the Saints at a 14-13 record in 27 starts. Now, New Orleans can look to the future and appreciate their cap relief next year due to his surprise retirement. 

The retirement of Saints' Pro Bowl offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk also became official today. He is headed towards his next chapter in life off the football field. 

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