Who Should I Start? Derek Carr or Jarrett Stidham

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.

Sunday, August 17, 11:27 AM

Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham got the start in the team's second preseason game on Saturday against the visiting Arizona Cardinals and looked amazing, going 16-for-23 passing for 240 yards and two touchdowns in the 27-7 victory. Starter Bo Nix got this game off, so Stidham saw most of the action under center before giving way to Sam Ehlinger late. Rookie receiver Pat Bryant was one of Stidham's favorite targets, as he hooked up with him four times for 70 yards. Second-year pass-catcher Troy Franklin was his other favorite target, and both of his TDs went to the Oregon product. The 29-year-old Stidham signed a two-year, $12 million contract with Denver back in March to return as Nix's backup in 2025 and beyond. Based on the way Stidham looked on Saturday, Denver's offense could still be decent this year if Nix misses time with injury.