Derek Carr was honest with his shortcomings when he was asked about being on the receiving end of Michael Thomas’ epic rant on social media this week, which covered several reasons why the New Orleans Saints barely missed the 2023 NFL playoffs, despite a 9-8 record.
The 32-year-old signal-caller addressed the criticism through his recent interview at the Two Gs in a Pod show with James Jones and Amber Theoharsis by saying that he could’ve been a better quarterback for Michael Thomas.
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So, what happened between Michael Thomas and Derek Carr?
Michael Thomas blamed his season-ending knee injury on Derek Carr, saying he had been “set up by a bad ball” via his X (formerly known as Twitter) account.
“Well, if I didn’t get set up by a bad ball, I probably would’ve had a light little 1k yards this year, but could of should I know I get it lol,” said Thomas.
“On top of that, they wasn’t even trying to get me the ball, but it’s no denying my style of play it don’t age playa you will see,” he added.
In that fateful sequence against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 10, Derek Carr threw the ball too high and behind Michael Thomas, so the New Orleans Saints wide receiver had to adjust his body in trying to reach the ball. Unfortunately, Minnesota Vikings cornerback Akayleb Evans collided with Thomas, and the 30-year-old didn’t return after awkwardly twisting his knee.
Before the injury, Thomas averaged a career-low 3.9 receptions and 44.8 yards per game last season, which is disappointing since he played a pivotal role in recruiting Carr to New Orleans.
What’s next for Michael Thomas and Derek Carr?
With Michael Thomas no longer the focal point of the New Orleans Saints offense, given what happened in 2023, it’s likely that he has played his last game in the Big Easy.
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As for Derek Carr, his current contract runs until the end of the 2027 season. By the time it does, the four-time Pro Bowler will have turned 35 years old.
It’s disappointing that it has come to this between Derek Carr and Michael Thomas, especially since they could’ve talked about this privately, but perhaps going on separate ways is what’s best for both parties.
