Who Should I Start? Derek Carr or Baker Mayfield

Friday, June 6, 12:23 PM

Former New Orleans Saints and Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (shoulder) made a surprising decision to hang up his cleats and retire from the NFL this offseason. "That part was tough because I didn't want to have surgery and just sit there and it sounds crazy but just take the Saints money," Carr said. He had two seasons left on the four-year, $150 million deal he signed with the Saints in 2023, although he gave up the $30 million salary he was set to earn in 2025. The four-time Pro Bowler was dealing with a right-shoulder injury that was going to require surgery and leave his availability uncertain for the start of the regular season this fall. Carr said the Saints wanted him to keep playing, but he couldn't commit to another season. With Carr now gone, the Saints will have a QB competition this summer, primarily between rookie second-rounder Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler.

Wednesday, September 17, 10:23 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is on track to start in Week 3 against the New York Jets. Mayfield appeared shaken up during Monday night's win over the Houston Texans but avoided any structural damage and did not require further testing. While he may scale back practice reps on the short week, there are no concerns about his availability for Sunday. With elite weapons at his disposal and improved consistency as a passer, Mayfield remains firmly in the QB1 mix for fantasy managers.