Who Should I Start? Derek Carr or T.J. Hockenson

Friday, February 23, 2:00 PM

The New Orleans Saints restructured quarterback Derek Carr's contract on Friday for salary cap purposes, a move that was expected to give the team around $23 million in cap relief for the 2024 season, according to sources. Carr is due $30 million in base salary this year, so converting a portion of that into a signing bonus provides immediate savings. The 32-year-old veteran signal-caller is under contract with the Saints through 2026. In his first year in the Big Easy, he threw for 3,878 yards, 25 touchdowns and eight interceptions while amazingly not missing a single game despite suffering multiple concussions, cracked ribs and a shoulder sprain. Carr is as tough as they come and can give fantasy managers low-end QB1 lines on occasion, but he's best drafted as a fantasy backup.

Tuesday, December 26, 4:18 PM

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee) suffered a torn ACL and MCL in the Week 16 loss to the Detroit Lions. He is expected to be placed on injured reserve and will miss the rest of the season. Given the late-season injury, the 26-year-old could start the 2024 season on the PUP list. The former first-round pick signed a four-year, $66 million contract this offseason with Minnesota. Hockenson had career-highs in receptions, receiving, yards, and targets during his first entire season with the Vikings. He caught 95 of 127 targets for 965 yards and five touchdowns over 15 games in 2023. Hockenson will likely undergo surgery in the next few weeks and looks to recover fully in 2024. Josh Oliver is expected to be Minnesota's top tight end with Hockenson sidelined. Fantasy managers searching for tight end help or a replacement for Hockenson can look to add Oliver in most league formats.