Potential Landing Spots For Derek Carr

With his release now official, former Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr is officially a free agent with several teams likely to pursue the veteran signal-caller entering his 10th NFL season.

In his nine seasons with the Raiders, Carr led the team to a 63-79 record and one playoff appearance. The former 36th overall pick has thrown for 35,222 yards to go with 217 touchdowns and 99 interceptions. In addition, he is a four-time Pro Bowler and finished third in the 2016 MVP race after injuring his leg late in the season.

So, who will be in need of Carr’s services? Here are some of the teams that could be potential landing spots for the 31-year-old.

Around Full Press Coverage

NFL OPINION: Morten Andersen: The Toughest Place To Kick? For Me, It Was This Place

NFL: NFL 2022: Five Key Statistics for Week 2

NFL: Kansas City Chiefs Stock Report: Week 2 2022

FULL PRESS BETS: NFL MVP Odds: Patrick Mahomes Leapfrogs Josh Allen For Top Spot

FANTASY FOOTBALL: Fantasy Football Value Picks In Every Round

PODCAST: Full Press NFL Podcast Ep 54: Chargers At Chiefs Preview

New Orleans Saints

Since the retirement of Drew Brees, the Saints have run through a carousel of quarterbacks that include Jameis Winston, Andy Dalton, and Taysom Hill so an upgrade at the position should be a priority for New Orleans. Technically, Carr is an upgrade. Just not a franchise-altering one. However, Carr can bring some stability for second-year head coach Dennis Allen. In addition, prior to his release, the Saints were reportedly discussing a trade for Carr with the Raiders so, presumably, they will continue to be interested now that he is free to sign with any team that wants him.

New York Jets

The Jets have all the elements of a playoff-contending team… except under center. Quarterback Zach Wilson, the second overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, lost his starting job next season and the team has reportedly decided to move on from him. Much like the Saints, or pretty much any team signing him, Carr will not be a franchise-altering addition like Tom Brady was to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020. However, Carr can take a previously success-starved franchise and give them an opportunity in the postseason. It all depends on the help around Carr and whether or not they can elevate him.

Washington Commanders

The Commanders make sneakily emerge as the best landing spot for Carr. They arguably have the best set of offensive weapons for Carr to choose from with Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel, and Jahan Dotson at the wide receiver position as well as Antonio Gibson and Brian Robinson Jr. in the backfield. In addition, Washington boasted a Top 10 defense in both yards and points, something the Raiders didn’t come close to doing in any of Carr’s nine seasons with the team.  Again, the Commanders could elevate Carr and, in turn, elevate them to their second postseason appearance of the Ron Rivera era.