Derek Carr raves about early connection with Michael Thomas in New Orleans

Derek Carr worked with a Pro Bowl receiver last season in Davante Adams, and now he’ll team up with another as he joins Michael Thomas in New Orleans. Carr has only had around three months since signing with the Saints to work with Thomas, but he already is impressed.

Thomas was seen catching passes from Carr at the team’s OTAs on Tuesday, and the quarterback had some high praise for his new teammate afterward.

“If he went out there and ran certain routes right now, I’d know exactly what he was going to do and I’d put it on him,” Carr said according to NBC’s Pro Football Talk. “It’s just cool to have him in the building. Everyone was excited to see him. Everybody loves him here, they love his work ethic, they love his competitiveness, his leadership, the way he practices, the way he prepares.”

After missing the playoffs the past two seasons, the Saints are hopeful that Carr can be the quarterback to lead them back to the postseason. New Orleans rolled out several different players at starting quarterback in 2021 and 2022, from Jameis Winston to Andy Dalton and Taysom Hill. After bringing in Carr on a four-year, $150 million contract, however, the position has some stability with the four-time Pro Bowler.

If Thomas can stay healthy, he will join second-year receiver Chris Olave and running back Alvin Kamara to form a trio of dangerous weapons for Carr. Thomas had a career season in 2019 to lead the NFL in receiving yards (1,725) and receptions (149) while also scoring seven touchdowns and being named the AP Offensive Player of the Year. However, he has played a total of 10 games in the three seasons since, including just three the past two years, as injuries have hampered him.

Still, his talent when he plays is evident, and Carr expects him to be a valuable member of the passing attack this year.

“He’s such a worker, that’s probably why injuries happen, when you play that way and work that hard,” Carr said. “You don’t ask a guy like that to tone down.”

Michael Thomas compares Derek Carr to Drew Brees

It wasn’t just Carr who was complimentary of Thomas. The receiver also had some high praise of his new QB, comparing him to Drew Brees, whom he worked with for five seasons.

“Oh he’s been amazing,” Thomas said according to Yahoo! Sports. “Amazing. I can’t wait to get out there with him and create something special, a connection. Just the way he commands the huddle, the sense of urgency, he’s a pro. It’s great for these young guys to see.

“His demeanor (stands out). Just everything, just watching him from when he gets in the building, kind of like Drew was, when he was watching film you could learn from him, in the locker room you could learn from him. Anywhere in the building you could learn something different from them that makes them how they are, and I respect (Carr) a lot. I love talking football with him. He loves football.”

The comparison to Brees feels a bit over the top, as he led the team to a Super Bowl in 2010 and is the franchise’s all-time leading passer. However, it at least shows how much trust Thomas already has in Carr.

The pair will continue to work on their connection this offseason before the Saints open up preseason play on Aug. 13 against the Chiefs.