Saints Sign Derek Carr
12:25pm: Details are in on the Carr deal, per Rapoport (Twitter link). The contract is worth $150MM over four years, good for an average annual value of $37.5MM; that figure ranks ninth in the league amongst QBs. In addition, the Saints are giving Carr $100MM in total guarantees, including $60MM guaranteed at signing (which rank 10th and 11th in the NFL at the position, respectively, and outweigh the $40MM the Raiders would have owed him had they not released him when they did). $10MM due in year three of the pact vests after one season, meaning the contract essentially contains $70MM fully guaranteed. Garafolo tweets that a no-trade clause is in place as well.
Rapoport adds that Carr agreed to structure the deal in a way which helps their tight cap situation, meaning the first year likely carries a low cap hit. Even if that’s the case, Winston is all-but assured to find himself playing elsewhere in 2023 as New Orleans looks for less expensive options behind Carr.
9:19am: After plenty of speculation, the first quarterback domino is set to fall in 2023. Derek Carr is signing with the Saints, reports Mike Garafolo of NFL Network (Twitter link). His colleague Ian Rapoport tweets that the deal is four years in length. The Saints have since announced that the contract is officially in place.
Carr’s tenure with the Raiders all-but officially came to an end late in the 2022 season when he was benched. He spent the final two weeks of the campaign away from the team, leading to questions of where he would land next and how Vegas would proceed under center. A trade was a possibility at one point, with the Saints being the only team which worked out compensation with the Raiders on a potential deal. However, the 31-year-old forced Vegas to release him and give himself the chance to test the open market. 
That made Carr the top quarterback known to be available prior to the start of free agency. He had a visit with the Jets which resulted in mutual interest existing between the two sides. New York has been very public about their intentions of adding a veteran passer to give the team stability at the position, though they have routinely been linked to a potential Aaron Rodgers trade.
Carr met with not only the Saints and Jets, but also the Panthers during the Combine, a sign that New Orleans could be facing competition from their division rival. Carolina was thought to be weary of Carr’s $35MM-per-year asking price, however, leading to the expectation that they will use the draft to find their next long-term QB. This news points the Panthers further in that direction.
It came out last week that the Saints were prepared to sign Carr after the outcome of their sit-downs with him. That suggested they were in the lead to land the four-time Pro Bowler, although an update from yesterday seemed to keep the Jets firmly in the running. In any case, it comes as little surprise that Carr has made his decision before the start of the new league year, when other veterans (including Jimmy Garoppolo) will become eligible to sign with teams.
The Saints made a strong push for Deshaun Watson last offseason, in spite of an unenviable cap situation. That led them to turn back to Jameis Winston as their Week 1 starter, though the addition of backup Andy Dalton led to the expectation that a swap in the pecking order could be coming. That was indeed what happened relatively early in the season, though Dalton’s performances led to increased calls for Winston to be re-installed as the No. 1.
Overall, neither passer did enough in 2022 to dissuade New Orleans from making a splash at the position. Dalton is a pending free agent, while Winston has one year remaining on his current contract. Releasing the latter as a post-June 1 cut would yield $12.8MM in cap savings, though the Saints still have plenty of need for additional funds in the immediate future. The team has made multiple moves recently with respect to restructures, as they looked to carve out not only the needed space to achieve cap compliance, but also the ability to afford Carr. Now, they have done enough to land what they hope will be an upgrade at the position for the foreseeable future.
Attention will now increasingly turn to the Jets’ pursuit of Rodgers, who has at all times been their top preference. With Carr no longer available as a backup plan, New York could face increased urgency to trade for the four-time MVP, whose playing future remains very much in the air. Meanwhile, veterans Carson Wentz and Marcus Mariota are now the top passers available at the moment, after they were unsurprisingly released last week. With Carr off the board, the 2023 QB landscape has started to take shape.
NFL Restructures: Saints, Corbett, Grant, Eagles
The Saints restructured two contracts yesterday in an effort towards salary cap compliance, according to ESPN’s Field Yates. Both linebacker Demario Davis and tight end Taysom Hill have agreed to the new arrangements to lower their cap hit next season.
Davis is under contract through the 2025 season, Hill through 2026. Davis had another stellar season for the Saints in 2022. Since joining the team in 2018, he’s missed one game and been a first- or second-team All-Pro in every season but his first in New Orleans. The team converted $7.09MM of base salary for the 34-year-old’s 2023 season into a signing bonus, clearing $5.67MM in cap space off of his contract. He now holds a cap hit next year of $7.61MM with a base salary of $1.17MM.
Hill had another productive year as a Swiss-army weapon for New Orleans. The quarterback/tight end continued to show a much larger impact rushing than receiving but steeply declined in his passing numbers this year. The team converted $8.82MM of base salary for the 32-year-old’s 2023 season into a signing bonus, clearing $7.06MM in cap space off of his contract. He now holds a cap hit next year of $6.87MM with a base salary of $1.08MM.
The team still has several avenues it can explore to create cap space. Defensive end Cameron Jordan ($25.7MM), cornerback Marshon Lattimore ($22.4MM), guard Andrus Peat ($18.3MM), running back Alvin Kamara ($16MM), and quarterback Jameis Winston ($15.6MM) all hold cap hits over $15MM that could likely be restructured.
Here are few other recent moves as teams strive towards cap compliance:
- After signing a three-year, $26.25MM contract a year ago, guard Austin Corbett has agreed to a restructured deal with the Panthers, according to Panthers staff writer Darin Gantt. Corbett contributed to a much-improved offensive line this season, starting all 17 games before suffering a torn ACL in the team’s last game of the year. The 28-year-old is working towards a return spending every day at the facility in recovery. Yates of ESPN reports that the team converted $7.72MM, consisting of his base salary and a $1MM roster bonus, into a signing bonus, freeing up $5.79MM in cap space. Corbert now holds a 2023 salary of $1.08MM and a cap hit of $5.16MM.
- Yates’s above report on Corbett also mentioned the Browns recent restructuring of wide receiver and return-specialist Jakeem Grant. Grant missed the 2022 season with a torn Achilles tendon after signing a three-year, $10MM contract in the offseason. The renegotiated deal for Grant reportedly reduces his cap hit by $1.77MM.
- Eagles center Jason Kelce is currently headed towards free agency or, potentially, retirement. Still, since Philadelphia has a habit of building voidable years into contracts in an effort to lessen the salary cap burden of deals, the team found it necessary to decrease that financial burden that Kelce’s expiring contract has on their future. According to yet another report by Yates, the Eagles paid Kelce a $3MM bonus yesterday, consisting of his $2.75MM 2023 roster bonus and $250,000 2023 offseason bonus, to reduce his 2023 cap hit. The move reportedly cleared up around $2.4MM of cap space for Philadelphia next season.
Latest On Derek Carr
MARCH 5, 6:05PM: Fowler continued with the updates today, tweeting that, while New Orleans and Carolina remain in the conversation for Carr, the former Raiders quarterback “has a slight lean toward the Jets.” It’s unclear what New York’s main priority is, as they’ve been heavily connected to Rodgers, but Fowler reports that they’ve “made an impression” on Carr.
MARCH 5, 3:36PM: While New Orleans remains one of the top teams to watch on the Carr front, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler notes that “at least” two others have inquired about the four-time Pro Bowler. The Jets and Panthers are in a different situation than the Saints, of course, but that trio could see increased competition in the coming days if more teams join the fray.
MARCH 4: Plenty of attention around the NFL is currently being paid to the 2023 class of quarterbacks in the upcoming draft. The top veteran passer currently on the market is certainly the subject of significant speculation and reporting as well, though. 
Derek Carr has been connected to a number of teams since he was released by the Raiders. Those include the Jets, who view him as their backup plan to Aaron Rodgers, and the Saints, who are reportedly prepared to work out a deal with Carr at any time now. The Panthers could also be in the market for a veteran signal-caller, though they are positioned to be contenders for one of the top rookie QBs this year as well.
Carolina met Carr in person earlier this week at the combine. That signaled their interest in at least doing their due diligence at the position, though it also came not long after the team was reported to be unwilling to meet the $35MM-per-year contract the 31-year-old is said to be seeking. That did not represent the only contact between the Panthers and Carr.
The two parties spoke over the phone before the combine and will do so again this Monday, as detailed by ESPN’s David Newton. When speaking on the subject of a possible Carr deal, head coach Frank Reich indicated that he would view the four-time Pro Bowler has a long-term investment despite his age (especially compared to the possibility of drafting a signal-caller in the first round of April’s draft). The latter approach is nevertheless believed to be the Panthers’ preference, reports Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network (video link).
That could point Carr towards the Saints as his free agent process continues to take shape. On that point. Luke Johnson of the New Orleans Advocate tweets that Carr could sign with his new team before free agency begins, perhaps as early as this coming week. That sentiment is shared by Wolfe’s colleague Ian Rapoport (video link).
The Saints have plenty of work still to do in terms of becoming cap compliant, let alone carving out enough space to afford Carr on a market-value deal. Like the Panthers, however, they are in need of at least an intermediate-term upgrade under center, so their interest is unlikely to wane in the coming days. That timeline could see a final decision made on Carr’s part, which would represent the first major development in the 2023 quarterback market.
Saints “Ready” To Sign Derek Carr
Derek Carr has made it clear that he intends for his free agent process to be a lengthy one. For at least one of the teams he has met with, though, a quick ending would be preferred.
During an appearance on the Official Jets Podcast, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler noted that the Saints are “ready” to sign Carr. He added that they “want to get something done” with Carr, illustrating how well the two meetings which have taken place between the parties have gone. New Orleans has long been connected to the 31-year-old, who is the top quarterback on the market at this time. 
When a trade was thought to be a possibility, the Saints were reportedly in agreement with the Raiders on compensation after Carr’s first visit to New Orleans. The four-time Pro Bowler forced Vegas to release him, though, not as a sign of disinterest in the Saints but rather a means of allowing himself to hit the open market and leverage the best possible contract for the next chapter of his career. That move opened up the number of suitors interested in at least a short-term QB upgrade.
New Orleans faced a difficult cap situation last offseason, but general manager Mickey Loomis carved out enough space to make the team a serious contender for Deshaun Watson. After the latter was ultimately traded to the Browns, though, the Saints elected to use a pairing of Jameis Winston and Andy Dalton under center in 2023. Their collective performance left plenty to be desired, and it would come as no surprise if Carr or a similar veteran were brought in to solidify the position.
New Orleans has begun this year’s cap gymnastics, but they still have a long way to go. The Saints are currently more than $30MM over the cap, and not much is certain for them under center. Dalton is a pending free agent, and one year remains on Winston’s contract. Releasing the former first overall pick would yield $4.4MM in savings, a relatively modest amount but one which would nevertheless move the team closer to being able to afford the $35MM AAV Carr is believed to be seeking.
The Saints and Jets met with Carr not only last month, but during this week’s combine as well. Loomis and head coach Dennis Allen spoke positively about their sit-down, and their support of the potential of a deal taking shape. The Panthers, another team which could be a significant player in this year’s quarterback market, is also set to meet with Carr, though. Not surprisingly, Fowler adds that the former second-rounder is likely to remain patient in the name of setting up a bidding war for his services, especially if Aaron Rodgers and/or Lamar Jackson don’t end up becoming available.
Rodgers has routinely been connected to the Jets this offseason, and mutual interest exists between the AFC East outfit and Carr. They figure to face stiff competition from New Orleans in the Carr sweepstakes, though, as the QB landscape slowly starts to take shape.
Saints’ Alvin Kamara, Bengals’ Chris Lammons Indicted By Grand Jury
MARCH 2: Kamara entered a not guilty plea on Thursday, as noted (on Twitter) by ESPN’s Katherine Terrell. In a statement, his attorneys said in part, “we are looking forward to trial and a full vindication.” The next court date in this matter has been scheduled for July 31, meaning his and Lammons’ status will remain unclear deep into the NFL offseason. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network tweets, to no surprise, that a guilty verdict would mean Kamara’s league discipline would likely take effect in 2023.
FEBRUARY 16: An incident from last season’s Pro Bowl weekend in Las Vegas was quickly thought to be the reason for legal action and league discipline being taken against Saints running back Alvin Kamara and Bengals cornerback Chris Lammons at some point. Thursday saw an important development in their case. 
A grand jury in Clark County (NV) has indicted the pair, along with two other men, for an alleged beating which took place last February in a Las Vegas nightclub. Specifically, they are facing criminal prosecution on charges of conspiracy to commit battery and battery resulting in substantial bodily harm, as detailed by David Charns of Las Vegas 8 News Now.
Kamara and Lammons, both 27, were involved in a violent altercation which resulted in their arrest and a civil suit being filed by the victim, Darnell Green. The presence of video surveillance showing their respective involvement in the incident led to the expectation that the NFL would take action in line with its personal conduct policy. As such, Kamara was reported to be bracing for a six-game suspension, though the legal process has been marked by delays.
As the offseason wore on, it became increasingly clear that Kamara would be able to at least begin the 2022 season without incident. That was confirmed in late September, and he wound up playing in 15 contests during the campaign. Kamara was mentioned in trade rumors in the build-up to the deadline, despite the assumption around the league that his ban will take effect at the beginning of the 2023 season.
The five-time Pro Bowler led New Orleans with 897 rushing yards this year, adding 490 yards in the passing game. That production was in line with his numbers from the 2021 season, though he scored fewer than half as many touchdowns (four) as he did the previous campaign. Lammons maintained his special teams role in Kansas City throughout the year before being claimed off waivers by the Bengals in January.
“The state has avoided a contested preliminary hearing by indicting Mr. Kamara,” a statement from Kamara’s attorneys reads in part. “He intends to vigorously fight the allegations at trial as he was defending himself and others at the time of the incident.”
Today’s news means the case will move directly to district court. A court date for March 2 has been set, so an update to the league’s evaluation of the matter could come shortly thereafter.
2023 Offensive/Defensive Coordinator Search Tracker
As the head coaching carousel spun for several weeks, many teams made coordinator changes as well. Teams seeking new head coaches are conducting OC and DC searches, and a handful of other teams that did not make HC changes are also searching for top assistants.
This is a big year for offensive coordinator hires, with nearly half the league making changes. Here are the teams searching for new OCs and DCs. As new searches emerge, they will be added to the list.
Updated 3-1-23 (3:31pm CT)
Offensive Coordinators
Arizona Cardinals
- Drew Petzing, quarterbacks coach (Browns): Hired
- Drew Terrell, wide receivers coach (Commanders): Interview requested
- Joel Thomas, running backs coach (Saints): Interview requested
- Troy Walters, wide receivers coach (Bengals): Interview requested
Baltimore Ravens (Out: Greg Roman)
- Brian Angelichio, tight ends coach (Vikings): Conducted second interview
- Eric Bieniemy, offensive coordinator (Chiefs): Interview being arranged
- Dave Canales, quarterbacks coach (Seahawks): Conducted second interview 2/6
- Bobby Engram, offensive coordinator (Wisconsin): Interviewed twice
- George Godsey, tight ends coach (Ravens): Interviewed
- Chad Hall, wide receivers coach (Bills): Interviewed 2/1
- Brian Johnson, quarterbacks coach (Eagles): Expected to interview?
- Byron Leftwich, former offensive coordinator (Buccaneers): Interviewed
- Todd Monken, offensive coordinator (Georgia): Hired
- Doug Nussmeier, former quarterbacks coach (Cowboys): Interviewed
- Chad O’Shea, wide receivers coach (Browns): Interviewed 1/23
- Justin Outten, offensive coordinator (Broncos): Conducted second interview 2/7
- Dan Pitcher, quarterbacks coach (Bengals): Received interest, extended by Bengals
- Frank Reich, former head coach (Colts): Mentioned as candidate
- Zac Robinson, quarterbacks coach (Rams): Interviewed 1/24
- James Urban, quarterbacks coach (Ravens): Interviewed
Carolina Panthers (Out: Ben McAdoo)
- Thomas Brown, tight ends coach, (Rams): Hired
- Jim Bob Cooter, passing-game coordinator (Jaguars): Interviewed
Dallas Cowboys (Out: Kellen Moore)
- Brian Angelichio, tight ends coach (Vikings): Interviewed 2/2
- Thomas Brown, tight ends coach (Rams): Interviewed
- Jeff Nixon, running backs coach (Panthers): Interviewed
- Brian Schottenheimer, offensive consultant (Cowboys): Hired
Denver Broncos (Out: Justin Outten)
- Ronald Curry, quarterbacks coach (Saints): Interviewed; to stay with Saints
- Joe Lombardi, former offensive coordinator (Chargers): Hired
Houston Texans (Out: Pep Hamilton)
- Nick Caley, tight ends coach (Patriots): Interviewed
- Jerrod Johnson, assistant quarterbacks coach (Vikings): Interviewed; named quarterbacks coach
- Kliff Kingsbury, former head coach (Cardinals): Interviewed 2/10
- Bobby Slowik, passing-game coordinator (49ers): Hired
- Troy Walters, wide receivers coach (Bengals): Interview requested
Indianapolis Colts (Out: Parks Frazier)
- Jim Bob Cooter, passing-game coordinator (Jaguars): Hired
- Tee Martin, wide receivers coach (Ravens): Interview requested
Kansas City Chiefs (Out: Eric Bieniemy)
- Matt Nagy, quarterbacks coach (Chiefs): Hired
Los Angeles Chargers (Out: Joe Lombardi)
- Joe Brady, quarterbacks coach (Bills): Interview requested
- Thomas Brown, tight ends coach (Rams): Interviewed 1/25
- Jerrod Johnson, assistant quarterbacks coach (Vikings): Interviewed 1/25
- Kellen Moore, former offensive coordinator (Cowboys): Hired
- Greg Olson, senior offensive assistant (Rams): Interviewed 1/24
- Frank Reich, former head coach (Colts): Mentioned as candidate
- Zac Robinson, quarterbacks coach (Rams): Interview requested
- Luke Steckel, tight ends coach (Titans): Interviewed 1/26
Los Angeles Rams (Out: Liam Coen)
- Marcus Brady, offensive consultant (Eagles): Interviewed
- Thomas Brown, tight ends coach (Rams): Mentioned as candidate
- Brian Johnson, quarterbacks coach (Eagles): Interviewed
- Mike LaFleur, former offensive coordinator (Jets): Hired
- Wes Phillips, offensive coordinator (Vikings): Declined interview request
- Frank Reich, former head coach (Colts): Mentioned as candidate
- Zac Robinson, quarterbacks coach (Rams): Mentioned as candidate
New York Jets (Out: Mike LaFleur)
- Darrell Bevell, quarterbacks coach (Dolphins): Declined interview request
- Marcus Brady, offensive consultant (Eagles): Interviewed
- Nick Caley, tight ends coach (Patriots): Interviewed 1/17
- Bill Callahan, offensive line coach (Browns): Declined interview request
- Nathaniel Hackett, former head coach (Broncos): Hired
- Brian Johnson, quarterbacks coach (Eagles): Interviewed
- Klint Kubiak, quarterbacks coach (Broncos): Interviewed 1/22
- Chad O’Shea, wide receivers coach (Browns): Interviewed 1/20
- Kevin Patullo, passing-game coordinator (Eagles): Interviewed
- Frank Reich, former head coach (Colts): Mentioned as candidate
Philadelphia Eagles (Out: Shane Steichen)
- Brian Johnson, quarterbacks coach (Eagles): Promoted
- Kevin Patullo, passing-game coordinator (Eagles): Mentioned as candidate
- Nate Scheelhaase, offensive coordinator (Iowa State): Interviewed
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Out: Byron Leftwich)
- Thomas Brown, tight ends coach (Rams): To conduct second interview 2/15
- Dave Canales, quarterbacks coach (Seahawks): Hired
- Jim Bob Cooter, passing-game coordinator (Jaguars): Interviewed 1/26
- Ronald Curry, passing game coordinator/quarterbacks coach (Saints): Interviewed 1/31
- Pep Hamilton, offensive coordinator (Texans): Declined interview request
- Klint Kubiak, quarterbacks coach (Broncos): Interviewed 1/26
- Keenan McCardell, wide receivers coach (Vikings): Interviewed 1/26
- Todd Monken, offensive coordinator (Georgia): Interviewed 1/31
- Scottie Montgomery, running backs coach (Lions): Interviewed 2/13
- Kellen Moore, former offensive coordinator (Cowboys): mentioned as candidate
- Dan Pitcher, quarterbacks coach (Bengals): Interviewed 1/27; conducted second interview with Bucs but will remain with Bengals
- Shea Tierney, quarterbacks coach (Giants): Interviewed 1/31
Tennessee Titans (Out: Todd Downing)
- Eric Bieniemy, offensive coordinator (Chiefs): Interview requested
- Tim Kelly, passing-game coordinator (Titans): Hired
- Charles London, quarterbacks coach (Falcons): To interview
- Matt Nagy, quarterbacks coach (Chiefs): Interview requested
Washington Commanders (Out: Scott Turner)
- Darrell Bevell, quarterbacks coach (Dolphins): Declined interview request
- Eric Bieniemy, offensive coordinator (Chiefs): Hired
- Thomas Brown, tight ends coach (Rams): Interviewed 1/24
- Jim Caldwell, former head coach (Lions): Declined interview request
- Charles London, quarterbacks coach (Falcons): Interview requested
- Anthony Lynn, assistant head coach/running backs coach (49ers): Interviewed 2/1
- Greg Roman, former offensive coordinator (Ravens): Interviewed 2/14
- Pat Shurmur, former offensive coordinator (Broncos): Interviewed; fallback option?
- Eric Studesville, running backs coach (Dolphins): Interviewed 1/23
- Ken Zampese, quarterbacks coach (Commanders): Interviewed 1/18
Defensive Coordinators
Arizona Cardinals (Out: Vance Joseph)
- Dave Borgonzi, linebackers coach (Bears): Interviewed 2/17
- DeMarcus Covington, defensive line coach (Patriots): Interview requested
- Nick Rallis, linebackers coach (Eagles): Hired
Atlanta Falcons (Out: Dean Pees)
- Ejiro Evero, former defensive coordinator (Broncos): Interview blocked
- Vic Fangio, former head coach (Broncos): Interviewed
- Brian Flores, linebackers coach (Steelers): Interview requested; mutual interest?
- Jerry Gray, defensive backs coach (Packers): Interview requested
- Al Holcomb, interim defensive coordinator (Panthers): Interview requested
- Ryan Nielsen, co-defensive coordinator (Saints): Hired
Buffalo Bills (Out: Leslie Frazier)
- John Butler, defensive backs coach (Bills): Mentioned as candidate
Carolina Panthers (Out: Al Holcomb)
- Ejiro Evero, former defensive coordinator (Broncos): Hired
- Vic Fangio, former head coach (Broncos): Interviewed
- Marquand Manuel, safeties coach (Jets): Interviewed
- Kris Richard, co-defensive coordinator (Saints): Interviewed
Denver Broncos
- Sean Desai, defensive assistant (Seahawks): Interviewed 2/7
- Ejiro Evero, former defensive coordinator (Broncos): Released from contract
- Brian Flores, linebackers coach (Steelers): Interview cancelled
- Vance Joseph, defensive coordinator (Cardinals): Hired
- Matt Patricia, senior football advisor (Patriots): Interviewed 2/22
- Christian Parker, defensive backs coach (Broncos): Interviewed
- Kris Richard, former co-defensive coordinator (Saints): Interviewed
- Rex Ryan, former head coach (Bills): Conducted second interview 2/18; considered favorite?
- Mike Zimmer, former head coach (Vikings): Mentioned as candidate; interviewed for separate Broncos job
Houston Texans
- Matt Burke, defensive line coach (Cardinals): Hired
- Chris Harris, defensive backs coach (Commanders): Interview requested
- Kris Kocurek, defensive line coach (49ers): Mentioned as candidate; expected to remain with 49ers
- Marquand Manuel, safeties coach (Jets): Interviewed 2/7
- Cory Undlin, passing-game specialist/secondary coach (49ers): Mentioned as candidate
Los Angeles Chargers (Out: Renaldo Hill)
- Derrick Ansley, defensive backs coach (Chargers): Promoted
- Doug Belk, defensive coordinator (Houston): Interviewed
- DeMarcus Covington, defensive line coach (Patriots): Interviewed
Miami Dolphins (Out: Josh Boyer)
- Anthony Campanile, linebackers coach (Dolphins): Interviewed 1/27
- Sean Desai, defensive assistant (Seahawks): Interviewed 1/25
- Vic Fangio, former head coach (Broncos): Hired
- Kris Richard, co-defensive coordinator (Saints): Interviewed 1/26
Minnesota Vikings (Out: Ed Donatell)
- Sean Desai, defensive assistant (Seahawks): Interviewed 1/24; to withdraw from search
- Ejiro Evero, former defensive coordinator (Broncos): Expected to interview
- Brian Flores, linebackers coach (Steelers): Hired
- Ryan Nielsen, co-defensive coordinator (Saints): Interview requested
- Mike Pettine, defensive assistant (Vikings): Interviewed 1/25
New Orleans Saints (Out: Ryan Nielsen, Kris Richard)
- Joe Woods, former defensive coordinator (Browns): Hired
Philadelphia Eagles (Out: Jonathan Gannon)
- Sean Desai, defensive assistant (Seahawks): Hired
- Vance Joseph, defensive coordinator (Cardinals): Interviewed 2/21-2/22
- Jesse Minter, defensive coordinator (Michigan): Interviewed
- Glenn Schumann, co-defensive coordinator (Georgia): Interviewed
- Chris Shula, defensive backs coach (Rams): Interviewed
- Jim Leonhard, defensive coordinator (Wisconsin): Interviewed
- Dennard Wilson, defensive backs coach (Eagles): Mentioned as candidate
San Francisco 49ers (Out: DeMeco Ryans)
- Vic Fangio, former head coach (Broncos): On radar
- Chris Harris, defensive backs coach (Commanders): Interviewed 1/31
- Kris Kocurek, defensive line coach (49ers): On radar
- Steve Wilks, former interim head coach (Panthers): Hired
Derek Carr To Meet With Teams At Combine
FEBRUARY 28: Providing more detail on Carr’s schedule, Rapoport tweets that at least three teams will speak with him at the Combine. That list includes the Jets and Saints (for what will be a second sit-down with Carr), but also the Panthers. Carolina is set to be in the market for a QB addition of some kind this offseason, with only Matt Corral and Jacob Eason currently under contract for 2023. It was reported last week, however, that the Panthers would not be willing to commit to Carr at the $35MM-per-season rate he is thought to be seeking. The success of his visit could change things, of course, though Carr will have several other suitors even if Carolina elects for less expensive QB options.
FEBRUARY 27: Derek Carr looks to be planning to check off more visits without logging extensive travel mileage. The free agent quarterback is headed to the Combine to meet with teams this week, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com notes (video link).
The 31-year-old passer has met with the Saints and Jets already, and while those teams look like the frontrunners thus far, others have checked in on where he stands presently. The Buccaneers, Commanders, Panthers and Titans have been connected to Carr thus far, though none of these teams have been tied as closely to the nine-year veteran compared to the two he has visited.
[RELATED: Mutual Interest Between Jets, Carr]
A deal that averages more than $35MM per year has come up in the Carr sweepstakes, but Rapoport adds lengthy talks about money have not entered the equation just yet. Carr is prioritizing fit for now. While money will undoubtedly be a key component in where he lands, the former MVP candidate will be unlikely to choose a team with poor competitive prospects. Mostly through the $25MM-per-year extension he inked with the Raiders in 2017, Carr has already banked more than $130MM in his career.
During Carr’s New York visit, Jets brass told the available arm they were monitoring other QBs — including Aaron Rodgers — and let him know where he stood related to the Green Bay icon, according to SI.com’s Albert Breer. With the Jets informing Carr they want to see how the latest Packers-Rodgers offseason saga plays out, this points to the team confirming a previous report of Carr being its second choice.
The Commanders hold a substantial lead in cap space, in terms of Carr suitors, sitting on more than $35MM after cutting Carson Wentz and Bobby McCain. A Daron Payne franchise tag will cut into this figure, and Washington is not believed to be seeking to dive deep into the QB salary pool this year. They certainly were last year, and it is interesting in a year in which Ron Rivera will be on the hot seat he could be willing to go with Sam Howell and/or a lower-priced veteran. The Bucs and Panthers are believed to be in the same boat, and the Saints, despite their restructure-happy ways, still have a long ways to go on this front.
If this lot of teams is unwilling to pay franchise-level money for Carr, it would stand to reason the Jets might be able to land the longtime Raider at a lower-than-expected cost. A clearer picture of where Carr’s market stands will emerge in Indianapolis.
Saints Extend DE Tanoh Kpassagnon
FEBRUARY 25: Kpassagnon’s deal is now official, per a tweet from his agent; Aaron Wilson of KPRC adds that his contract is two years in length, and has a maximum value of almost $6MM (Twitter link). He will continue his time in New Orleans, and quite possibly be in line for an increase in playing time depending on how many other free agents the Saints are able to retain. The team has a long way to go to achieve cap compliance, and keeping Kpassagnon on the books for the short-term future will eat into their limited funds, albeit while retaining a useful member of their defense.
FEBRUARY 24: As the Saints continue another layered journey toward cap compliance, they are planning to keep one of their impending free agents in the fold. They are closing in on a deal with Tanoh Kpassagnon, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com tweets.
A seventh-year edge rusher, Kpassagnon has spent the past two seasons in New Orleans. The former Kansas City second-round pick is nearing a multiyear pact, per Pelissero. This move would keep one of the Saints’ rotational pass rushers in the fold.
[RELATED: Saints Restructure Three Contracts]
Void years are attached to Kpassagnon’s current Saints contract. If no deal is reached by the start of the new league year, $1.99MM in dead money would hit the Saints’ books. While that is a modest figure, the Saints are still more than $30MM over the cap. Kpassagnon, 28, played out a two-year, $4.5MM contract this past season.
Although the Villanova product has not become a regular starter, multiple teams have used him as a complementary edge presence. The 6-foot-7 defensive end has registered six sacks during his Saints tenure, one that has included 10 starts. Kpassagnon has added 14 quarterback hits during this span. The Chiefs gave Kpassagnon 24 starts, and he was their edge starter opposite Frank Clark in Super Bowl LIV and Super Bowl LV. Kpassagnon registered two sacks during the 2019 playoffs to help the Chiefs to their first Super Bowl title in 50 years. The team went with other options in 2021, however, one of them being former Saints D-end Alex Okafor.
The Saints may well be losing former first-round pick Marcus Davenport this offseason. Davenport played out his rookie contract and is weeks away from free agency. The Saints are pursuing Derek Carr, though it is unknown how much they are willing to pay the street free agent QB. It should not be ruled out the Saints find a way to keep Davenport, they are unlikely to have much in the way of funds to retain the 2018 first-rounder. The team retaining Kpassagnon, in that case, stands to help its D-end situation at a fraction of that cost.
Details On Saints’ Recent Restructures
We reported a bit this week on some of the Saints’ recent cap-clearing moves as they reworked the contracts of offensive linemen Ryan Ramczyk and Erik McCoy, as well as kicker Wil Lutz. We’ve been provided a bit more detail on the financial moves New Orleans has made this week and how it will impact them in the future. 
In regard to Ramczyk’s new deal, the Saints reportedly added a voidable year to his contract, according to Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.football. Ramczyk’s cap hit for this year is now at $11.1MM, a reduction of about $10MM, but with cap hits from 2024-27 of $27.03MM, $28.03MM, $25.26MM, and $2.58MM (dead money), the team will likely have to restructure his contract more in the future. His base salaries from 2024-26 are $17MM, $18MM, and $19MM, respectively, giving the Saints some flexibility to restructure. His contract makes him very difficult to trade in the near future, as well, as New Orleans would be facing about $43MM in dead money to have him dealt.
Underhill also provided some details about Lutz’s new deal. His contract now has a base salary of $1.25MM, freeing up $1.5MM of cap space. He will receive a per game active bonus of $26K for a potential season total of $450K, and he can earn $750K in incentives based on field goal percentage and total points.
Additionally, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported yesterday that the team has also restructured safety Tyrann Mathieu‘s contract in order to clear another $4.67MM in cap space for next season. Underhill added that they have also added a voidable year to the veteran’s contract. His cap numbers will now stand at $4.23MM in 2023, $12.07MM in 2024, and $7.30MM of dead money in 2025.
There’s lots to speculate about where this cap space could be going. They could be attempting to make room to accommodate taking on the contract of quarterback Derek Carr, as they were once viewed as frontrunners to land his services, or they could be gearing up to make a run at cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Regardless, the Saints are building some room as they deal with their annual troubles with cap space.
NFC South Notes: Panthers, Lombardi, Bucs
Drawing a few negative headlines during his five-year run as Panthers owner, David Tepper has seen his team continue a years-long search for a quality quarterback. Carolina will be at it again this offseason. Although Tepper’s multi-offseason push for Deshaun Watson stalled near the end zone, the Panthers came close to acquiring Matthew Stafford in 2021. After negotiations with Lions GM Brad Holmes, team brass left the Senior Bowl convinced it would land the longtime Detroit QB. The Rams subsequently swooped in, and Joe Person of The Athletic notes Tepper mandated his staff slow down on Stafford due to wanting more information on his injury history (subscription required).
At that point, Stafford had only missed games in one of the previous 10 seasons. Though, the rocket-armed QB had played through a host of injuries during his 12-year Lions run. This delay, however, helped allow the Rams time to formulate a trade package that ended up sending the talented QB to Los Angeles and Jared Goff to Detroit. This could have been a moot point, with Stafford indicating he did not want to play for the Panthers, but Carolina did offer its first-round pick (No. 8 overall) and more for a passer without a no-trade clause. The Panthers sent three picks for Sam Darnold soon after. Darnold is a few weeks from free agency.
Here is the latest from the NFC South:
- Frank Reich has praised Tepper for his willingness to spend for assistant coach talent. This included what looks to have become a defensive coordinator bidding war. Shortly after the Broncos let Ejiro Evero out of his contract, the hot HC candidate drew interest from the Panthers and Vikings. Carolina outbid Minnesota to land the defensive coordinator, Person adds. The Panthers have also added ex-HCs Jim Caldwell and Dom Capers, along with Josh McCown, to Reich’s staff.
- Broncos ownership could also outmuscle teams for assistants. It is not known what kind of interest Joe Lombardi drew, but the new Denver assistant also drew interest from the Saints, Jeff Duncan of NOLA.com tweets. The two-year Chargers OC spent 12 years under Payton in New Orleans. The Saints are keeping Broncos OC candidate Ronald Curry on staff as QBs coach, but they were unable to lure Lombardi back to town. Lombardi is set for a coordinator-type role in Denver.
- The Buccaneers will fill their quarterbacks coach post by promoting former NFL passer Thad Lewis, in news reported by Seahawks QB Geno Smith (Twitter link). Lewis and Smith played against each other as Miami high schoolers and have remained close; the free agent-to-be clarified (via Twitter) this was the reason — not a sudden interest in joining the Bucs — for his excitement. The Bucs employed Lewis as their assistant wide receivers coach over the past two years, with the Tampa Bay Times’ Rick Stroud adding Bruce Arians had visions of Lewis as a future offensive coordinator (Twitter link). Smith and the Seahawks have begun negotiations.
- Tampa Bay hired Dave Canales as OC, from Seattle’s staff, to help fix its league-worst rushing attack. Leonard Fournette did not make the same impact he had in 2021. While the Bucs signed Fournette to a three-year, $21MM deal in March 2022, the running back has changed agents (Twitter link). The seventh-year running back is now with GSE Worldwide.
- North Carolina’s tight ends coach, John Lilly will be making an NFL move in the same state. The Panthers will keep Lilly in North Carolina, bringing him in to coach their tight ends, Person tweets. Lilly, who worked on the 2019 Browns’ staff, overlapped at Georgia with new Panthers OC Thomas Brown in 2015. He has 30-plus years’ experience at the college and pro levels.
- Former Colts staffer Brian Decker will follow Frank Reich to Carolina. The Panthers announced Decker is now the team’s vice president of development, a role Darin Gantt of Panthers.com notes will involve evaluating and developing players and coaches. A 22-year military veteran, Decker joined the Colts in 2017 and was in on the interviews that produced Reich’s hire.