Who Should I Start? Derek Carr or Justin Herbert

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.

Saturday, December 6, 4:18 PM

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey remains the most reliable target in the passing game heading into Week 14 against the Philadelphia Eagles, posting a 4-39-1 stat line on six targets last week. McConkey is quarterback Justin Herbert's go-to guy under pressure, commanding a team-high 20% target share and a 34% first-read rate. The Eagles have a top-10 secondary, and with Herbert (hand) questionable, the Bolts are expected to adopt a run-heavy game plan, likely decreasing overall passing volume. If Herbert is ruled out and Trey Lance starts, all receivers face a significant downgrade. RotoBaller ranks McConkey as WR17 this week. Given his reliable connection with Herbert in high-pressure situations, he can be considered a low-end WR2 even with the expected decrease in passing attempts. Temper expectations and production if Herbert is ruled out.