First Quarterback dominoes fall

We’re a week away from the official start of the new league year and free agency, and yet we saw the first dominoes at the quarterback position fall on Monday. Two potential free agent quarterbacks came off the market. Below I look at those first two moves.

Derek Carr to the Saints

Carr, released by the Raiders last month, figured to be the biggest potential name in free agency at the quarterback position. Among the suitors for Carr were the Jets, Panthers and Saints—with whom the quarterback visited to explore a possible trade before his release. After meeting with teams again during the Combine last week, Carr agreed to terms with the Saints on Monday.

The contract is rumored to be four years, $150 million with up to $70 million guaranteed. It gives the Saints a solid option at quarterback after spending the past two seasons piecing it together in the wake of Drew Brees’ retirement. It also means the Saints are likely to part with Jameis Winston, though the terms of his deal make it more profitable for the Saints to designate him a post-June 1 cut.

Carr spent his entire career with the Raiders after being drafted in the Second Round in 2014. He’s 63-79 as a starter, throwing for 35,222 and 217 touchdowns. He’ll pair with second-year receiver Chris Olave and veteran Michael Thomas, among other weapons. The Saints still have questions as star running back Alvin Kamara’s legal situation is ongoing and slated to play out later this summer. A suspension seems likely.

Still, the NFC South is a wide-open division in the wake of Tom Brady’s retirement. With Kyle Trask (Buccaneers), Desmond Ridder (Falcons), and Matt Corral (Panthers) currently the potential starting quarterbacks for their division rivals, the Saints’ acquisition of Carr puts them in position to compete for a division title.

Geno Smith reups with the Seahawks

Smith had an incredible 2022 season, ending up as the Comeback Player of the Year. He was rewarded with a rich new free agent deal, signing a three-year, $105 million deal to return to the Seahawks.

Smith was a Second-Round pick of the Jets in 2013 who bounced around the league before getting his big break with the Seahawks. He made the most of it, going 9-8 and guiding the Seahawks to the playoffs. He completed 69.8 percent of his passes for 4,282 yards, 30 touchdowns and just 11 interceptions. He figures to be a solid QB2 option for the next couple years in dynasty with a strong set of weapons that includes Ken Walker III at running back, receivers D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, and tight end Noah Fant.

With Daniel Jones and Lamar Jackson circling the Franchise Tag and Aaron Rodgers rumored to be near a decision on his future, expect more quarterback dominoes to fall in the next week.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.