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.

Friday, September 12, 5:42 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield wasn't excellent in the season opener, but he got the job done. Mayfield completed 17-of-32 passing attempts for 176 yards with three touchdowns and zero interceptions in the win over the Atlanta Falcons. The passing yardage was low for Mayfield, but he is missing two of his wide receivers in Chris Godwin (ankle) and Jalen McMillan (neck) right now. The three scores gave fantasy managers a good game, so they don't have much to complain about. The Bucs should continue being a pass-heavy offense which should make Mayfield a viable weekly option. Mayfield should once again remain in the mid-range QB1 territory for the upcoming Monday night matchup against the Houston Texans in Week 2.