Derek Carr rumors: Free agency suitors list for QB after release revealed

Derek Carr will become a free agent on Tuesday, and four teams are already in the mix to sign him.

The Las Vegas Raiders will get nothing in return for Derek Carr. How embarrassing. Carr let the team know on Sunday he had no plans to waive his no-trade clause (because why should he?) which paved the way toward his free agency, which will become official on Tuesday afternoon according to reports.

Carr and the Raiders more or less mutually agreed they would go opposite directions this offseason. That was very publicly known, which ruined any leverage the Raiders had in the matter. Carr had no reason to help Vegas by waiving his no trade clause and limiting his possible destinations, either.

Now, ahead of a substantial cap hit the Raiders would sustain if they kept Carr on-roster later this week, they will release him to avoid that. He can sign anywhere that wants him, and four teams already want him.

Derek Carr rumors: Four teams already interested in signing former Raiders QB

According to early reports from Ian Rapoport, the following teams are in on Derek Carr:

1. Carolina Panthers
2. Tennessee Titans
3. New York Jets
4. New Orleans Saints

None of the teams on this list are a surprise, as each one could use a quarterback to lead them into their respective futures. The Saints, for one, already hosted Derek Carr for multiple days and have made their pitch to him. They have a head start, but not for long.

Carolina is one of several teams in the NFC South along with the Saints that need a QB.

The Jets have been talking about how they plan to bring in a veteran QB all offseason so far. That’s thought to be a nod to Aaron Rodgers, but it could end up being Carr.

The Titans are likely going to move on from Ryan Tannehill but are in the least dire QB situation of any team on the board, so expect other teams to go harder at Carr.

Carr is the best free agent quarterback on the market. The next-best available is Lamar Jackson or Aaron Rodgers, and both (after Jackson is franchise tagged) will only be acquired with a massive contract or a hefty trade package. So expect this list to only grow, considering other teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Indianapolis Colts also need QBs.