Saints' Cam Jordan begins recruiting push for Derek Carr

New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Saints star defensive lineman Cam Jordan begins making push for Derek Carr

By Eric Smithling | Last updated 2/14/23

Saints defensive end Cam Jordan took to social media on Valentine's Day to profess his desire to team up with free agent QB Derek Carr next season in New Orleans.

I know I said adios to social media but @derekcarrqb I know it may be too soon but it’s also Valentine’s Day are you are you trynna swap out black and silver and fall in luv with BLACK & GOLD?
— cameron jordan (@camjordan94) February 14, 2023

Hmmmmmm…. https://t.co/MjuhMcKE4Z pic.twitter.com/nDXtGPE9rw
— cameron jordan (@camjordan94) February 14, 2023

New Orleans is in need of a starting QB and shouldn't find it difficult to restructure or extend contracts to free up enough cap space to sign Carr.

The Saints are expected to cut former starting QB Jameis Winston, while fellow 2022 starting QB Andy Dalton is a free agent and shouldn't be a serious candidate to start in 2023 if New Orleans is serious about returning to the postseason.

That seems to be the goal, as both general manager Mickey Loomis and head coach Dennis Allen expressed confidence after the season that the organization is close to returning to contention.

The belief extends to Jordan, who posted a message following Super Bowl LVII promising the Saints will be on the big stage this time next year.

There had to be a winner and a loser… salute to both teams and congrats to the Chiefs. I can hate the SAINTS not in it this yr but it’s more motivation for this off-season… for this upcoming yr. Next ssn best season to come Saintsnation our time is going to come… #levelz pic.twitter.com/zGZNrfr3zp
— cameron jordan (@camjordan94) February 13, 2023

With several veterans on defense — including Jordan, linebacker Demario Davis and safety Tyrann Mathieu — and talented playmakers Alvin Kamara and Chris Olave on offense, getting a QB of Carr's caliber is the organization's best bet at reaching Jordan's lofty goal.

Football Outsiders' Defense-adjusted Yards Above Replacement (DYAR) metric examines QB performances through a lens that takes into account the situation and opponent and shows how they compare to a league-average QB.

Carr ranked in the top 10 in DYAR from 2019-2021 before ranking 17th in DYAR this past season under new head coach Josh McDaniels. (h/t Football Outsiders)

Much like the Saints, Carr needs a rebound after a disappointing 2022 campaign. We already know what Jordan wants to happen. The Saints can only hope Carr feels the same way.

More must-reads: