Who Should I Start? Derek Carr or Baker Mayfield

Wednesday, February 26, 5:29 PM

New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said on Wednesday at the NFL Combine that the team feels like they can win with quarterback Derek Carr, and new head coach Kellen Moore also said the team feels fortunate to have Carr on the roster. The Saints still have contract stuff to figure out with Carr, but as things currently stand, it sounds like the team plans on bringing the 33-year-old veteran back in 2025. Carr has a $51.4 million cap hit in 2025, and the Saints currently have the worst cap situation in the NFL, so something has to give. Restructuring his contract could free up $31 million this year, although it would push his cap hit to around $69 million in 2026. Carr played in a career-low 10 games in 2024 due to a broken hand and a concussion. Even with Moore in town, fantasy managers in 12-team, one-QB leagues are going to be avoiding him in drafts this fall.

Monday, January 13, 12:10 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield completed 15 of 18 pass attempts for 185 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions during Sunday's playoff loss to the Washington Commanders. He also took one sack and rushed for 23 yards. It was an uncharacteristically quiet showing for Mayfield, who hadn't completed fewer than 18 passes since Week 2 of the regular season. With that said, fantasy managers and bettors have to be pleased with his high completion rate and overall clean performance as he didn't turn the ball over. Mayfield finished the 2024 campaign with the NFC's most passing touchdowns, but he also led the whole league in interceptions. His high passing output keeps him in the mid-range QB1 conversation for 2025 fantasy football.