Derek Carr’s May 10 retirement due to shoulder surgery saved New Orleans $30 million in guaranteed salary. The 34-year-old quarterback walked away from his deal citing inability to play at full capacity. Saints maintain $9.1 million current flexibility after years of cap hell mismanagement.
Taysom Hill carries $18 million cap charge as highest-paid player. Alvin Kamara restructured $75M deal creates $11.8M current hit after previous void year penalties. New Orleans projects $37 million next-season space marking first positive outlook in years.
New Orleans Saints player biography and net worth information available for complete roster.
| Quarterbacks (QB) | Running Backs (RB) | Wide Receivers (WR) |
| Derek Carr | Alvin Kamara | Chris Olave |
| Spencer Rattler | Kendre Miller | Rashid Shaheed |
| Jake Haener | Clyde Edwards-Helaire | Brandin Cooks |
| Hunter Dekkers | Devin Neal | Cedrick Wilson Jr. |
| Taysom Hill | Velus Jones Jr. | Kevin Austin Jr. |
| Teddy Bridgewater | Marcus Yarns | Bub Means |
| Xavian Valladay | Dante Pettis | |
| Jamaal Williams | Chris Tyree | |
| Mason Tipton | ||
| Lynn Bowden Jr. |
Other Positions
| Safety | Linebacker | Defensive Tackle | Offensive Tackle | Tight End | Guard | Center | Cornerback | Defensive End |
| Tyrann Mathieu | Pete Werner | Nathan Shepherd | Trevor Penning | Foster Moreau | Cesar Ruiz | Erik McCoy | Marshon Lattimore | Cameron Jordan |
| Marcus Maye | Demario Davis | Khalen Saunders | Ryan Ramczyk | Juwan Johnson | Andrus Peat | Carl Granderson | ||
| Brian Branch | James Hurst | Jack Stoll |
Carr Retirement Reshapes Future
Thirty-four-year-old’s decision forfeited $30M guaranteed contract after labral tear diagnosis. His shoulder required six-month recovery preventing participation. Saints waived $10M roster bonus in mutual agreement.
| Player | Position | Cap Hit | Contract Status | Through |
| Taysom Hill | QB/TE/Utility | $18M | $40M (4yr) | This season |
| Alvin Kamara | RB | $11.8M | $75M restructured | Void years |
| Demario Davis | LB | $10.7M | $24M (2yr) | 2026 |
| Chris Olave | WR | $9.2M | Extension candidate | This season |
| Tyrann Mathieu | S | $8.5M | $33M (3yr) | 2026 |
| Erik McCoy | C | $7.9M | $64M (5yr) | 2028 |
| Cesar Ruiz | OG | $6.4M | $27M (3yr) | 2026 |
| Taliese Fuaga | OT | $5.8M | $23.6M rookie | 2028 |
| Spencer Rattler | QB | $4.1M | $17.3M rookie | 2028 |
| Kool-Aid McKinstry | CB | $3.9M | $15.9M rookie | 2028 |
Hill’s $18M includes $10M base plus $8M restructure charges. His unique hybrid role provides QB depth, tight end production, and special teams value justifying premium cost. Contract expires this season creating extension talks at age 36.
Kamara’s restructures pushed $25M+ into void years creating future dead cap. His $11.8M current charge represents bargain versus $18.5M peak hit. Running back averages 4.7 yards per carry through nine seasons justifying continued investment.
Cap Hell Recovery Timeline
Saints operated over cap for consecutive seasons requiring aggressive restructures. Carr retirement accelerated timeline eliminating $69.2M projected charge next season. Mickey Loomis’ creative accounting finally shows positive trajectory.
Dead Cap Decline: Current penalties total $42M down from peak $80M+ previous years. Carr elimination removes largest future burden enabling competitive spending.
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Rattler Development: Fifth-round pick provides cost-controlled quarterback on $17.3M contract through 2028. His rookie season features limited action backing Jake Haener creating uncertain future.
Next season’s $37M space represents first breathing room since Drew Brees retirement. Olave extension ($20M+ AAV projected) remains priority with Chris restructures freeing additional funds.
Hill’s $15M Net Worth Journey
Thirty-five-year-old utility player built wealth through unique career path. His BYU quarterback to Saints Swiss Army knife transition created $62M career earnings establishing $15-20M net worth.
| Player | Est. Net Worth | Career Earnings | Unique Role |
| Taysom Hill | $15M-$20M | $62M+ | QB/TE/RB hybrid |
| Alvin Kamara | $8M-$12M | $80M+ | Dual-threat RB |
| Demario Davis | $20M-$28M | $88M+ | Defensive captain |
| Tyrann Mathieu | $40M-$50M | $105M+ | Three-time All-Pro |
| Erik McCoy | $12M-$18M | $32M+ | Elite center |
Hill’s contract features $10.1M guaranteed at signing with performance incentives reaching $12M annually. His touchdown production (6 rushing, 3 receiving) justifies premium compensation despite unconventional position designation.
Kamara accumulated $8-12M through $80M career total including $15M signing bonus. His off-field ventures include clothing line and real estate investments supplementing football income. Three-time Pro Bowl selection validates $75M extension despite age-30 concerns.
Next Season Cap Relief
New Orleans projects $37M available marking dramatic improvement. Carr’s $0 dead cap versus original $69.2M hit creates $69M swing. Olave, McCoy extensions become feasible after years of financial constraints.
Extension Priorities: Chris Olave (final rookie year) commands $20M+ AAV. Spencer Rattler development determines quarterback spending beyond current season.
Restructure Avoidance: Clean books enable traditional contract structures versus perpetual void year penalties. Sustainable roster building replaces short-term cap manipulation.
FAQs
Who is the Saints’ highest-paid player?
Taysom Hill carries $18M cap hit through unique hybrid role. His $40M contract expires this season creating extension decision at age 36 despite continued production as QB/TE/RB utility weapon.
Why did Derek Carr retire?
Carr announced May 10 retirement due to labral tear requiring six-month recovery. He forfeited $30M guaranteed salary rather than take payment while unable to play at full capacity citing conscience decision.
What is Alvin Kamara’s net worth?
Kamara’s $8-12M wealth stems from $80M career earnings through $75M contract. His three Pro Bowl selections justify continued investment despite age-30 concerns and previous restructures creating void year penalties.
How much cap space do Saints have?
New Orleans maintains $9.1M current and projects $37M next season. Carr retirement eliminated $69.2M future burden enabling first positive outlook since Drew Brees era ending sustainable roster construction.
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