Derek Carr Already Being Recruited by NFL Players As He Enters Free Agency

As Derek Carr prepares to enter free agency this week, several NFL players are already reaching out in an effort to recruit him. On Valentine's Day, New Orleans Saints defensive end Cam Jordan tweeted out a recruitment pitch in support of the veteran quarterback.

He would be a great addition to the team, though it could be difficult for them to match his offer given their cap situation. Nonetheless, there are clear advantages in having stability at center.

Raiders

Raiders quarterback Derek Carr is being actively recruited by NFL players as he enters free agency. Recently, Saints' QB Cameron Jordan expressed his desire to collaborate with Carr in New Orleans next season on social media platforms.

Carr has enjoyed great success during his nine seasons as the starting quarterback for the Raiders, leading them twice to the playoffs - including a road victory in the AFC Wild Card round against Cincinnati Bengals last season. But Carr still has work to do on the field to help bring Oakland back to its first Super Bowl since 2002.

However, his future remains uncertain with the Raiders holding a $19.7 million cap space advantage over the rest of the league as of February 26, 2022. They must decide if they want to extend Carr's contract or try to find him another team, especially given the potential addition of Aaron Rodgers to their lineup.

However, the Raiders leadership is unwilling to let their veteran quarterback walk away. That is why they did not pick up his fifth-year option this year.

On Tuesday, March 15, he will become an unrestricted free agent when his $40.4 million contract becomes fully guaranteed. That presents the Raiders with a great opportunity to sign one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL.

The Raiders possess a wealth of resources for free agency, so they should be able to land the player they desire. If they can secure the best possible deal, they'll have ample reasons to keep Carr in Las Vegas.

Jets

On Tuesday, the Raiders informed quarterback Derek Carr of his release and he will enter free agency on March 15. Now, Carr has the opportunity to test the market and may be a good fit for multiple teams.

The Jets should be considered for this competition. Their young, strong roster could use some experienced leadership like Carr, as they seek to rebuild their offense. Carr would be an ideal addition.

He could help the Jets return to the playoffs, something they haven't done in years. He might make an excellent addition for new head coach Josh McCown's staff.

Carr has struggled with accuracy this year, but he remains a capable quarterback who can win games. A three-time Pro Bowl participant, Carr has shown great promise and potential.

Teams that could potentially acquire Carr include the Saints and Raiders; however, there are no guarantees a deal will take place.

Another potential target could be the Colts, who are rebuilding their team and need an experienced quarterback. They already have several players at skill positions but need to hone their QB situation.

In 2023, the Colts have some cap space available and Carr's $40.4 million guaranteed salary makes him a desirable trade candidate. Coach Nathaniel Hackett has expressed an affinity for Carr's quick-strike game and has expressed willingness to collaborate closely with such an accomplished signal caller.

Colts

Carr's departure from the Raiders has already put him on the free agency market, with multiple NFL teams beginning to recruit him. As he enters his prime years, it is likely that former first-round pick will receive plenty of interest in this regard.

At present, the Jets appear to be in a good position to sign him. They have room in their budget for salary and don't need to give up too much draft capital. All that remains is for them to negotiate an equitable contract with the veteran player.

The Colts could potentially be a good fit. Since Andrew Luck left in 2012, they've been year-to-year with quarterbacks and are searching for a long-term solution after trying Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz and Matt Ryan.

They may feel that Carr is the ideal person to help their young players develop. He's an excellent mentor for younger QBs and has extensive coaching experience in systems featuring multiple passing attacks.

He's a seasoned veteran, and could be the missing piece for an already talented group of players. If successful, his presence could help the Colts return to the playoffs.

One of the biggest obstacles for Carr is his no-trade clause in his contract. But it's possible he could waive it to join a team he desires.

It's also a risk, but he could be the man to restore Indianapolis' quarterback situation after Andrew Luck retired. Since then, they've started seven different quarterbacks and could use someone more capable than Philip Rivers or Carson Wentz to turn things around.

Carr has the potential to help his team, as well as be a lifesaver for New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan. After an unpredictable 2022 season, Jordan needs someone with authority and consistency when throwing the ball. A QB like Carr could provide just that.

Texans

As Carr nears free agency, several teams have shown an interest in him. The Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints both expressed interest in him, though any deals could take some time to close.

The Saints would be an ideal home for Carr, who could help restore their offense after an underwhelming 2022 campaign. Their defense finished fourth in DYAR (Defense-adjusted Yards Above Replacement), and they boast plenty of offensive weapons on both sides of the ball. Carr would be a perfect addition to their roster.

Another option would be the Buccaneers, who boast two Pro Bowl receivers in Chris Godwin and Mike Evans. Plus, they boast an impressive offensive line and plenty of cap space to build around him.

Finally, the Texans possess some cap space and a roster that's already built around several players who have already demonstrated their NFL potential. While they're in rebuilding mode, they possess enough talent to take the next step and bring in someone of Carr's caliber.

Carr could propel the Texans into contention in the NFC South, giving them a starting-caliber quarterback who can help them win games throughout 2023 and beyond. He would add an experienced presence to the team as well as mentor young players such as Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall and Demario Davis.

The Colts could also be an option for Carr, with head coach Shane Steichen and former Raiders head coach Dennis Allen both being on their coaching staffs. Furthermore, Indianapolis boasts a strong defensive line as well as potential star receivers Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud, plus veteran backup Will Levis who can play through injuries.

Panthers

NFL players are already eager to recruit Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr as he nears free agency. ESPN senior NFL insider Adam Schefter reports that the New Orleans Saints are among those interested in re-signing Carr, who may be released by the Raiders on Valentine's Day before his $40.4 million contract becomes fully guaranteed.

In addition to the Saints, the Panthers could potentially be a potential destination for the 31-year-old veteran quarterback. Since Christian McCaffrey's departure from the team, they have been searching for a quarterback and would make an ideal fit for the former second-round pick.

Though they possess a wealth of talent on both sides of the ball, they need an experienced quarterback to guide their rebuild. Should Carr joins the Panthers, he would likely serve as their starter at least until an appropriate replacement is found.

The Buccaneers have a number of issues at the quarterback position, but could still be an attractive destination for Carr. They boast a promising young core and boast an expansive running game.

He would benefit from playing alongside a veteran with extensive NFL experience, which could be an advantage for Carr. If he signs with the Bucs, they hope that Carr can help them prevail in a difficult NFC South division.

The Jets could also be a viable option as they need an experienced veteran to help them return to the playoffs. Their young core includes promising stars like running back Breece Hall and wide receivers Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner; if they decide not to part ways with second-year pro Zach Wilson, Carr would be an ideal veteran replacement who could help them reach those same playoff heights once again.