After a rollercoaster season where the New York Jets finally started experiencing some success, the one big drawback was the inconsistency seen from the quarterback position. Last year the Jets saw four different QBs start a game, we can guarantee that isn’t in their plans for 2023, but Derek Carr reportedly could be.
With the Las Vegas Raiders fully expected to move on from their signal-caller of the past nine seasons and the Jets also not committing to Zach Wilson, while seeking a veteran who can possibly provide an instant jolt to the offense, we could have a match made in heaven.
As Ian Rapoport of NFL Network pointed out, the Jets will be examining a potential trade for Carr this offseason while also looking into Aaron Rodgers and others. But there’s no guarantee the Green Bay Packers are ready to move on from their four-time NFL MVP, but the Raiders? Well, they benched Carr, so it’s safe to say that relationship is over.
- Derek Carr stats in 2022: 60.8% comp. rate, 3,522 passing yards, 24 TD, 14 INT
- New York Jets QB stats in 2022: 56.9% comp. rate, 4,040 passing yards, 15 TD, 14 INT
While the Raiders have determined Carr is no longer the right fit with coach Josh McDaniels in town, if the Jets could even get league-average play out of the QB position next season, it could be good enough to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2010. Not to mention, coach Robert Saleh may need to avoid another losing season to stay off the hot seat after an 11-23 start to his tenure.
If Carr joined the Jets, he could help the offense take flight by utilizing their extremely quick receiving corps led by Garrett Wilson and Elijah Moore while also being able to rely on what should be an excellent rushing game with Breece Hall returning from injury next season.
No matter who the Jets decide on as their next quarterback, it will be up to newly hired offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett to get the most out of the position. After their group of QBs threw the second-fewest touchdowns last season while leading the fourth-lowest scoring offense, they can only improve from here.