Saints' Kellen Moore noncommittal on 'premier player' Derek Carr - ESPN

METAIRIE, La. — New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore didn't make a firm commitment to quarterback Derek Carr in his introductory news conference Thursday.

«Derek's a tremendous quarterback in this league. I've had so much respect for him, the journey that he's been on, he's a starter in this league,» Moore said. «He's a premier player in this league.… Really excited to team up with him and go through this process and so just like any player on this roster, I just got here a few days ago and I'm excited to go through this journey with all of them.»

Moore, 36, is the youngest head coach in the league and inherits a team that is expected to be significantly over the 2025 salary cap, although that number has not been set yet. The Saints must get cap compliant by the start of free agency on March 12, which includes addressing Carr's $51.4 million salary cap figure.

Moore called Carr a «tremendous starting quarterback in his league» when asked whether he felt the team had a decision to make at the position.

«We're fortunate to have him and we're excited to go through this process as we build this roster together,» Moore said. «Again, I'm meeting these guys for the first time the last few days, really excited to meet more of them. This will be a lot of fun.»

Moore said he hasn't met most of the players and staff members after officially accepting the job Tuesday.

Moore is coming off a one-year stint as the Philadelphia Eagles' offensive coordinator and a win in Super Bowl LIX. He said he plans to call plays in New Orleans and utilize motion and tempo.

«We like to use a lot of tempo every place that I've been,» Moore said. «We'll use shifts and motions when we huddle, but we want to stress the defense. Now whether we have