Since the football season ended, former Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr has taken visits with the New Orleans Saints and, most recently, the New York Jets. Yet, the 32-year-old (in March) has yet to sign a contract with a new team. What gives?
According to Connor Hughes of SNY, the Jets’ meeting with Carr “went very well,” so that doesn’t appear to be the reason why Carr remains on the dealership’s lot. ESPN’s Jeff Darlington added more, indicating the Jets “really believe Carr is the type of QB that can lead to a potential championship.”
Yet, Carr’s brother, David, who has his own experience entering free agency during his own NFL career, noted that Derek’s next destination won’t be determined until after what he describes will be a “long process.”
Related: Bold predictions for 2023 NFL free agency: Destinations for top 50 players
Why hasn’t Derek Carr signed a new contract yet?
According to Carr’s brother, who still works at NFL Network, the QB wants to “do his due diligence and see as many places as he can to get a feel for what the best place for him will be.”
In other words, expect Carr to continue taking visits while he evaluates each potential landing spot. With several teams in need of a new starting quarterback, Carr should have at least a few more teams hoping to bring him in for a visit.
While Carr’s brother notes it could be a while, he notes that the QB would like to have a contract in place before free agency begins on March 15. Unlike many others whose contracts have expired, Carr can sign a new deal right now, giving him a bit of an advantage over those who have to wait before signing on the dotted line.
- Derek Carr stats in 2022: 60.8% completion rate, 3,522 passing yards, 24 TD, 14 INT
So far, the early reactions have been positive, but both the Jets and Carr are keeping their options open at this stage in the process. With the Jets also being linked to Aaron Rodgers, maybe we’re all waiting for clarity after the MVP’s four-day darkness retreat concludes.
While the Raiders were quick to move on from Carr, it’s no surprise to see other teams get in the mix to add what many would consider a top-20 QB in the NFL.
Related: 3 reasons why New York Jets should choose Derek Carr signing over Aaron Rodgers trade