Many NFL insiders believe Pro Bowler Derek Carr will draw free agent interest this offseason if he becomes available. According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, Carr has a strong chance to generate multiple suitors catching eyes on the market once he becomes available if the Saints decide to move on. Carr’s future in New Orleans after the team hires Kellen Moore as their new head coach which means a new regime is coming soon. Moore would have accepted the job, but he didn’t like the quarterback situation, so they will likely inform him to find a trade partner or they will wind up releasing him.
Last month, General Manager Mickey Loomis said whoever will become the new head coach will have that decision in their hands to make. Since the Saints have failed to make the postseason last year, Moore faces a daunting task to restore the offense in New Orleans. Carr already said he won’t be taking a pay cut and that doesn’t help with the financial situation of their salary cap so it makes sense to part ways. The expectation is that the Saints will release several players this offseason who might become cap-compliant and one of them is Carr.
Given the nature of the NFL Draft class this year, teams like the Ravens, Raiders and Giants might take a chance on Carr.
NFL Insider Believes Pro Bowler Derek Carr Will Draw Free Agent Interest – Ravens, Raiders, Giants Possible Fits
Backing up Lamar Jackson
The Baltimore Ravens are not looking to replace quarterback Lamar Jackson, but rather find a capable backup to help him feel comfortable. Josh Johnson is not reliable in getting the job done in Baltimore, especially with his age and experience he doesn’t have. A backup will likely be their main priority and Carr could fit in as a backup. However, it doesn’t seem likely it’ll happen since he desires to be the main guy but being a backup for a year or two might be the route he may have to take to revive his quarterback career.
With that, the Ravens have the offense and coaching staff to help guide him back on the right track. Carr could learn behind Jackson and find an opening competition next offseason once it becomes available.
Other Likely Suitors
However, it makes much sense for Carr to return to the Raiders, especially with the new roster they’re anticipating to build since Pete Carroll’s hiring. Gardner Minshew will likely be traded while Aidan O’Connell will become a serviceable backup for whoever becomes the main starter of the Raiders. Carr has chemistry in Las Vegas and while they could look into Russell Wilson, it’s more efficient for Carr to return.
Meanwhile, the New York Giants have not found their starting quarterback since losing Eli Manning to retirement several years back. The organization has been depleting even with bringing Daniel Jones to take over but that didn’t have any chance to sustain long-term success. Perhaps, they could be taking a look at Matthew Stafford but Derek Carr could be another interesting name in the fold.
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