The New Orleans Saints restructuring Derek Carr's contract silenced questions about whether he'd be new coach Kellen Moore's starting quarterback entering the offseason.
During his introductory press conference last month, Moore declined to get deep into the Carr question, saying it was a "process." At the time, it was taken to indicate that the first-time head coach might not be enamored with Carr as his starter.
On Monday, Moore clarified that he's comfortable with the veteran QB.
"I think we've been consistent through this whole process," Moore said, . "We feel really good about Derek and we're excited to team up with him and the things that he can do for us.
"We want him here, and it'll be a good situation."
Moore said the restructuring was just the "business side of it" and noted there were "conversations" with Carr before moving around the money. Still, he was evasive about specifics -- including reports that the QB might be interested in seeing how he'd be received in a shallow open market or whether the club sought a pay cut.
Moore added that he believes the veteran signal-caller can improve after last year's injury-plagued struggle.
"I think we've got a great group here -- from the players, the coaching staff, to the environment that we're going to be able to create for him," Moore said. "Obviously, we felt very comfortable with him. Any time you go through these things, it's great to connect first as people and build those relationships and go from there."
The 33-year-old Carr enters a new offense for the fourth time in four years. For Moore's iteration to be different than the previous ones, the Saints need to buffer the quarterback with better protection, an improved running game and another weapon or three. Given their financial restraints, most of that aid will come through the draft.
