Who Should I Start? Derek Carr or Baker Mayfield

Monday, April 28, 1:37 PM

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (shoulder), who has been staying in contact with team officials, said he has gotten an MRI exam and everyone is trying to figure out his next step. There have been rampant rumors that Carr is using his shoulder injury to try and force his way out of New Orleans. It remains to be seen if that's the case, but either way, the 34-year-old veteran signal-caller could need surgery on his shoulder, which would likely mean he wouldn't be ready for the start of the 2025 season this fall. Given the uncertainty around Carr, the Saints selected quarterback Tyler Shough in the second round of this year's NFL draft on Friday as an insurance policy. Depending on Carr's injury situation, Shough could be asked to make starts for the Saints sooner than later in 2025. Carr's fantasy value, meanwhile, continues to drop after another disappointing season in New Orleans in 2024.

Thursday, April 3, 7:26 PM

Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have reworked quarterback Baker Mayfield's contract to free up cap space. The Bucs converted Mayfield's $30 million base salary to a roster bonus, freeing up nearly $15 million. The team also added a void year for proration purposes in 2029. Tampa Bay has been resourceful this offseason, moving money around for Mayfield in addition to offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. All in all, the Buccos saved $50.12 million over the next few seasons. It seems unlikely that the money moves are in anticipation of signing a big-ticket asset and more so for down the road. Mayfield is entering his third season with the squad and will look to build off his spectacular 2024.