Derek Carr is one of the best free-agent quarterbacks this offseason. For teams looking to add to that position, Carr is one of the stronger options, so he’ll likely have plenty of suitors once free agency officially begins.
It currently appears to be a three horse race. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Carr has visits scheduled with three teams, including two teams he has already visited.
Rapoport tweeted:
“When QB Derek Carr arrives in Indianapolis today, he’ll have in-person free agent meetings with 3 teams: the Jets, the Saints and the Panthers. He’s already visited New Orleans and NYJ, now add Carolina and maybe more. Coaches , general managers, owners, all in the same place this week.”
Rapoport stated that Carr has already met with the New Orleans Saints and the New York Jets. The Carolina Panthers are new to the mix, but all three teams need a quarterback.
Which team is most likely to sign Derek Carr?
All three teams need a quarterback. Derek Carr, despite not having a great year in Las Vegas in 2022, is a pretty useful option. However, it is much more likely that one of these teams will sign him.
The Jets have been looking at all quarterback options. They have reportedly been interested in trading for Aaron Rodgers and have been eyeing Carr and Jimmy Garoppolo.
Carr is probably your best option of the three. Garoppolo could have a hard time walking away from Kyle Shanahan and Rodgers would require an astronomical trade package and has a massive contract.
The Saints could trade for Carr, but he probably isn’t a big enough upgrade from a healthy Jameis Winston to worry about investing. Carr could be a one-year signing to try to compete while they have the likes of Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas. he signed big deals. Whether Carr would be open to a one-year contract is another question.
The Panthers are the least likely candidate here. They’ve been looking for a quarterback since the release of Cam Newton in 2019, which was perhaps an ill-advised move.
They’ve thrown everything at a few different vets and it hasn’t worked, so they’re more inclined to select one this time. That’s especially true since they can get the first pick for the Chicago Bears.