Andrew Buller-Russ
Where will Derek Carr land this offseason? It may not be the biggest question on everyone’s mind as we approach NFL free agency, but it certainly is a major talking point in the football community.
The nine-year pro is set to turn 32 at the end of the month, and he may be coming off a bit of a down season by his standards, but Carr is certainly a starting-caliber quarterback in the NFL. And there are plenty of teams in need of a competent QB.
What makes Carr’s situation unique is that he can already sign a new contract for next season since he was cut loose by the Las Vegas Raiders. In some senses, this gives the Fresno, California native an advantage over players who will hit free agency beginning on March 15. Yet, as we’ve seen, the process isn’t that simple or clear-cut.
Carr has taken official visits to the Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, and New York Jets. The Jets are said to be intrigued by what Aaron Rodgers can offer and may be waiting to see what’s in store for the four-time NFL MVP.
It’s a risky game to play, considering if Rodgers ultimately decides to head back to Green Bay or possibly even enter retirement at the age of 39, the Jets could be left without their perceived top option, turning back to Carr. But that’s dependent on Rodgers making a decision. If he continues to wait and wait, the Jets run the risk of Carr signing elsewhere. Then what? Turn back to Zach Wilson? Needless to say, things could get awkward in a hurry in the Big Apple.
But there’s another solution, at least for Carr. Peter King of NBC Sports came away from the NFL Combine with the belief that Carr is destined to sign with the Saints. This conclusion was reached after speaking with multiple NFL general managers during the annual week-long event at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Knowing that the Saints are arguably even more desperate than the Jets to add a capable starter, Carr rolling to the Bayou makes a lot of sense. Add the fact that Dennis Allen, who previously served as Carr’s head coach during his rookie season, and the dots seem to connect.
Yet, as we know, Carr has a few options on the table. In the end, it could come down to timing, with Carr likely aiming to have a starting spot secured before free agency officially opens up, which could create league-wide chaos.
Related: Derek Carr’s ideal next team revealed: Between Jets, Panthers, Saints, who does the QB prefer?
