QB Derek Carr is still ‘adjusting’ to New Orleans Saints, but he's feeling rejuvenated
COSTA MESA, Calif. — After nine years in silver and black, Derek Carr is still getting used to wearing different colors for the first time in his NFL career.
The new Saints quarterback is back on the west coast this week as New Orleans is set to take on the Los Angeles Chargers in a preseason game. Prior to Sunday’s matchup, the Saints and Chargers shared the field for two joint practices.
Carr’s all too familiar with the Chargers. As a member of the Raiders, Carr had frequent battles with the team as AFC West rivals. But the Saints are in a different conference, and the city is nearly 2,000 miles away from Southern California.
“I'm still adjusting and doing my best at it,” Carr said. “We still have our house in Vegas and have home base there.
“Whenever you get released somewhere there's that fire. You get rejuvenated and you feel refreshed. It’s been great inside our building.”
The Las Vegas Raiders released Carr in February, in what became a public divorce, which paved the way for the quarterback to land in New Orleans. Despite the high-profile breakup, Carr told reporters this week he has no animosity toward his former club.
“I wish the Raiders the best. Those are my friends,” Carr said. “I hope they win and do great. But I’m in New Orleans now, and I’m gonna give them everything I have with new energy and all that kind of stuff.”
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Chargers pass rusher Khalil Mack and Carr, who are good friends, can now both say they are ex-Raiders. Mack and Carr were a part of the Raiders’ 2014 draft class. They were teammates from 2014-2017.
The Chargers are Mack’s third team since he and Carr were teammates with the Raiders. The linebacker told reporters after practice it’s abnormal seeing Carr wearing a different uniform this season.
"It's super strange," Mack said. "All in all, understanding the business of football, it is what it is. I know that he is going to be a hell of a player for them."
Carr conceded it might be “weird” as he enters Year 10 with a new franchise but believes the change of scenery at this stage of his career was best for all parties.
“When you’re in one place for almost a decade, it will look weird wearing something else. But it felt right for the season that we are in. The season that they are in and the season that I’m in,” Carr said.
“I think it’s gonna be good for everybody. You know, that’s what it’s about. They got to do what’s best for them and I have to do what’s best for me. I think it’ll be good for everyone.”
Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on Twitter @TheTylerDragon.