Ex-Saint Thomas Calls Out Carr's Need for a New Weapon
Former New Orleans Saints wide receiver, Marques Colston, recently voiced his concerns about the Saints' offense, specifically highlighting the lack of a reliable deep threat for quarterback Derek Carr. Colston, a Saints legend who holds numerous franchise receiving records, expressed his belief that Carr needs a true vertical weapon to unlock his full potential.
“Derek’s a great quarterback, but he needs someone to take the top off the defense,” Colston stated during a recent interview. “He’s been asked to do a lot with what he has, but a big-play receiver would make a world of difference. It’s time for the Saints to invest in that game-breaking talent.”
Colston's comments come after a season where the Saints struggled to consistently create big plays downfield. While Carr had a respectable season statistically, his lack of a go-to deep threat often left him forced to rely on short passes and check-downs. This limited the Saints' offensive explosiveness and hindered their ability to take advantage of opposing defenses.
“Derek’s a smart quarterback, he knows where to go with the ball,” Colston continued. “But when you don’t have that threat, it limits your options. It’s like playing with one hand tied behind your back. You can’t just rely on short passes and screens all the time.”
The Saints are aware of the need for a deep threat and have addressed it in the offseason. However, they are still searching for that game-changing receiver who can consistently stretch the field. Colston believes the Saints need to prioritize finding that piece if they want to maximize Carr's potential and compete at a high level.
“The Saints are a good team, but they need that game-changer,” Colston emphasized. “They have the pieces to be great, but they need that explosive threat to take them over the top. Derek’s capable of making those throws, but he needs someone to make those catches.”
With the NFL Draft on the horizon, the Saints have an opportunity to address this need. Whether they choose to draft a receiver with high upside or explore other options, finding a true vertical weapon for Carr should be a top priority for the organization.
Colston's call to action highlights the importance of finding a dynamic receiver to complement Carr's skillset. It remains to be seen if the Saints will heed his advice and address this key need, but one thing is for sure: Carr's potential will only be fully realized with a true deep threat by his side.