Whats different this year are the contractual circumstances. In 2023 Carr’s 2024 salary was already fully guaranteed whether cut, injured, or active. In 2024 Carr’s 2025 salary is not guaranteed but it guarantees very early in the 2025 league year on 3/17/2025 so if the Saints decide to move on, they cant afford a late season injury that could prevent Carr from passing a physical on that date. In 2025 Carr’s 2026 salary is neither guaranteed in advance nor does it guarantee until week 1, so even if Carr was injured in 2025 he could still be cut as long as he can pass a physical in August/September which is way different than March. So the late 2024 season and early following offseason is a key year in the contract where the Saints can save money if they move on quick but not if any small injury causes delay. Essentially its much riskier to play Carr in late 2024 than late 2023 or late 2025.