The New Orleans Saints are still a few months away from getting back on the field for training camp, but quarterback Derek Carr is ready.
He made that clear over the weekend when he fielded questions from Saints fans on his Instagram story, with several interesting answers to questions from the public (Instagram stories disappear after 24 hours).
One answer might be the most telling, considering it was about the wide receiver he'd most like to throw passes to. He started by giving the correct answer: "I already play with him in New Orleans, that's who I'd love to play with."
The Saints QB didn't specify who, but the answer would likely have to be referring to one of Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed and/or A.T. Perry, the trio returning from last season.
But for someone outside the building? He threw that question to his boys -- both sitting off-camera -- with the answer coming quickly: "Hunter."
Carr laughed and appeared to agree, though he didn't expand on the idea himself. That answer, of course, is referring to Hunter Renfrow, the wide receiver he threw to for four seasons as a member of the Raiders after being picked in the 5th round of the 2019 draft. During that span Renfrow accumulated 244 catches for 2,629 yards and 17 touchdowns, and developed into one of the most reliable targets in the NFL. Renfrow just so happens to be a free agent after having his Raiders contract terminated earlier this offseason. His name hasn't surfaced anywhere notable throughout free agency, but he he could certainly be on the radar of the Saints, who have an intriguing wide receiver room, but one that likely could use at least one more veteran leader.
To this point the Saints offseason has included a pair of WR signings in Cedrick Wilson and Stanley Morgan. The Saints also parted ways with veteran Michael Thomas, who also hasn't found a new destination.
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MORE FROM DEREK CARR
On working with new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak...
“I’m very excited to work with him. He’s a great human being, and an even better coach. He works extremely hard, so I’m really looking forward to it.”
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Why did the 2023 season end up so disappointing?
“I think it was just how everything started, you know, we end up losing a few after the first two games and a lot of guys getting hurt, and we weren’t at our best. So, it started off so exciting, we won, and then it started going like this and then we felt the frustration and all that kind of stuff. So we finished strong, we just didn’t finish good enough. So, looking forward to another chance at it this year, can’t freaking wait.”
The Saints started 2-0, but saw things start to fall apart in the middle of the year. The low point came after a loss to the Falcons in Week 12 to drop to 5-6, with both stars Michael Thomas and Marshon Lattimore lost to injuries a week prior. The Saints then found themselves down 24-7 at halftime to the Lions the following week, but showed life and nearly rallied back. They won four of their final five games to finish 9-8, but that included a heartless loss to the Rams in a game that could've allowed the team to control its own postseason destiny. The Saints ultimately ended up on the wrong side of tiebreakers for the division (Bucs) and wild card (Packers/Seahawks), all of whom also finished 9-8.
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On facing the Raiders in 2024 season/ex-teammate Maxx Crosby...
“I am looking forward to it, I cannot wait, and hopefully — I’m going to to start a fight with him, and punch him," Carr joked, "and then have the ref only see him throw his punch back. That’s my goal."
The Saints won't know the specifics of their 2024 schedule for a few weeks, but they do already know the opponents. That group includes the Las Vegas Raiders, meaning that Derek Carr will face off with the team that drafted him for the first time at some point this season.
