New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) celebrates a touchdown pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Saints QB Derek Carr throws 39-yard TD to WR Rashid Shaheed

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 1/7/24

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr hasn't met expectations this season, but he's stepping up at the right time.

Against the Atlanta Falcons (7-9), Carr threw a 39-yard TD pass to second-year WR Rashid Shaheed, giving New Orleans a 31-17 lead with 8:54 remaining in the third quarter. Thus far, Carr has completed 17-of-21 passes for 221 yards and three TDs.

Same Sheed, Different Day.

@NFLonCBS | @RashidShaheed pic.twitter.com/IBqDrieqfC
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) January 7, 2024

Carr inked a four-year, $150M deal with $100M guaranteed this offseason. Entering Week 18, he's completed 67.8 percent of his passes for 3,614 yards, 21 TDs, eight picks and a 53.8 QBR, just above the league average. While that's not a terrible stat line, New Orleans (8-8) probably expected more.

Carr recently told NOLA.com he's willing to restructure his deal this offseason to clear cap room and help the team acquire more weapons. Better playmakers could help him raise his game next season, allowing the Saints to successfully rebuild.

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