Saints helmetNew Orleans Saints helmet (Photo By Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images)
The New Orleans Saints community is mourning the loss of longtime equipment manager Dan Simmons, who passed away on Friday at 78. Simmons was a beloved figure within the organization. He dedicated 42 years to the franchise and played a crucial role in the team’s success.

Simmons, a Vietnam veteran, was a key figure in the Saints’ locker room. He worked 858 games, including playoff appearances. He was part of the team’s historic victory in Super Bowl XLIV. His influence went beyond his official duties. He built deep relationships with players, coaches, and staff for decades.

Even after retiring as equipment manager, he stayed involved. He remained connected to the team as an alumni and legends coordinator.

A Lasting Legacy In New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints Manager Has Tragically Passed AwayNew Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson (Photo By Stephen Lew-Imagn Images)
The league widely recognized Simmons’ contributions. In 2015, he received a lifetime achievement award at the National Football League Equipment Managers Meetings, and in 2022, the Pro Football Hall of Fame honored him with an “Award of Excellence.” His impact on the Saints organization and the NFL as a whole was undeniable.

Saints owner Gayle Benson reflected on Simmons’ importance to the team, stating, “Our thoughts are with Elaine and the Simmons family as we have suffered a significant loss with the passing of Dan. He played an integral role in the daily operations of the equipment room and locker room. Dan was a proud New Orleans Saint and touched the lives of thousands of players, coaches, and staff members throughout his tenure, making significant contributions to this franchise. He will be greatly missed.”

 

Beyond his professional achievements, Simmons was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His wife, Elaine, their three children, Amy, Tracy, and Tony, and four grandchildren survive him. His warmth, dedication, and commitment to excellence left an indelible mark on the Saints organization and the people who had the privilege of knowing him. The entire Saints community extends its condolences to the Simmons family during this difficult time.

RUMOR: New Orleans Saints Projected To Cut Derek Carr & Replace Him With Superstar QB

Derek Carr looking on.Derek Carr (Photo by Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images)
The New Orleans Saints are sure to make some significant roster changes for first-year head coach Kellen Moore, but no move would be bigger than cutting ties with inconsistent quarterback Derek Carr.

Two years ago, following his release from the Las Vegas Raiders, the Saints signed Carr to a four-year contract worth $150 million. Through two seasons in the Big Easy, he boasts a mediocre 14-13 record with 40 touchdowns and 13 interceptions with only one game-winning drive in that span.

Coming off a fourth straight non-playoff season, the pressure is on Saints GM Mickey Loomis to put this team back on the winning track. Though the logical move would be to commence a rebuild, history suggests the Saints will continue to make win-now moves to stay competitive.

If it’s the latter path, then Loomis has to consider cutting ties with Carr and bringing in a more talented and proven signal-caller.

Nick Igbokwe of Sportskeeda listed five possible replacements for Derek Carr as the Saints’ starting quarterback in 2025. No. 1 on Igbokwe’s list was none other than New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers:

“Aaron Rodgers is a four-time MVP and one of the most (if not the most) accurate QBs in the game’s history. Rodgers is fresh off two disappointing seasons with the New York Jets and he’ll be a free agent ahead of the 2025 regular season.

A change of scenery and coaching from a Super Bowl-winning offensive guru might be what Rodgers needs to get back to his best. His addition would be a marquee one for the Saints, even if he’s at the tail end of his first-ballot Hall of Fame career.”

The New York Jets confirmed last week that they’re moving on from Rodgers following a disappointing 2024 season. Given their cap situation, trading for Rodgers will be practically impossible, but the Saints could very well target him in free agency if he’s outright released from his contract.

Derek Carr Also Needs A Change Of Scenery

Derek Carr looking to throw.Derek Carr (Photo by: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Carr has spent most of his playing career on mediocre to terrible teams, with the Raiders only building two playoff teams (in 2016 and 2022) around the Pro Bowl signal-caller. At this phase of his career, Carr should be open to a change of scenery.

Teams with competitive rosters that could target a quarterback like Derek Carr include the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Jets and Los Angeles Rams (if they actually end up trading Matthew Stafford).