Derek Carr may have a few free agency options so far, but there appears to be a slight favorite for his services next year.
The New York Jets have emerged as the Carr team has a «slight lean toward» over the rest of the competition, ESPN reported.
The report added that the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers are also in the running, however the Jets have made quite an impression on Carr.
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Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) reacts to throwing an interception during the NFL game between the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Rams on December 8, 2022 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA. (Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
New York is still waiting to see what Aaron Rodgers wants to do with his NFL future, but they got some good impressions of Carr when he visited recently.
General manager Joe Douglas, head coach Robert Saleh and owner Woody Johnson were among those who met Carr as he toured the team’s facility in Florham Park, New Jersey. They were also seen having dinner at a local restaurant.
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«In terms of [how] New York was trying to sell it because, let’s face it, that’s what they’re doing right now. They were pretty clear with him,» ESPN’s Dianna Russini said at the time of the meeting. “They told him that he is a great quarterback. They think he has a legitimate cast of players. passed over [defense]The strong, young guys, the explosive running game. They went through from top to bottom why Derek Carr can step in here and take this team to not just the playoffs but the Super Bowl.
“They also made it very personal. They said, ‘We think if you come to New York and win, you could be a first-ballot Hall of Famer.’ So, they went all-in on Derek Carr here and let him know that they really want him to play for the New York Jets.»
Those are strong words for Carr, who enters his 10th NFL season next year.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr #4 looks to throw during the first half of a game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Chris Unger/Getty Images)
The Jets believe they are one quarterback away from finally breaking their playoff drought (they haven’t since 2010), and Carr’s departure from the Las Vegas Raiders added a strong candidate to their roster.
Carr led the Raiders to the playoffs two years ago, though he had a rough year in 2022. But the Jets feel they have the right pieces in place: a solid receiving corps anchored by Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson, a powerful game land. Breece Hall is expected to return from injury and a strong offensive line.
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At this stage in his career, Carr wants to have a good supporting cast so he can attempt a Super Bowl run. Of the teams looking to add him to his roster, perhaps Carr feels the Jets are ready to take that step.
The new league year will kick off on March 15, when other free agents will be able to speak to teams. Carr’s window is closing as the best quarterback available to talk right now. But ESPN noted that he is expected to carry his free agency into this week as he continues to consider his options.
The Jets were poised to make the playoffs until they hit a slump at the wrong time in the second half of the season. Many of his struggles targeted his quarterback woes as Zach Wilson dropped back while Mike White and Joe Flacco couldn’t pick up the slack.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr meets with reporters after an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh, Saturday, December 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
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The Jets let it be known that they want a veteran quarterback and made their offer to Carr. That pitch may have been the best he’s heard yet.