Odds for Derek Carr’s next team (Where will Derek Carr sign?)
One of the rockiest relationships in the NFL ended on Valentine’s Day when the Las Vegas Raiders released former franchise quarterback Derek Carr.
This breakup actually began back in December when the Raiders were eliminated from playoff contention. The team benched Carr in favor of Jarrett Sitdham for the final two games, leading him to step away from the team for the remainder of the season.
However, the Raiders were unable to find a suitor for Carr in the trade market despite reported ongoing talks with the New Orleans Saints over the past couple of weeks. With his 2024 salary (including over $40 million) set to guarantee, the Raiders cut ties on the last possible day Tuesday afternoon.
The veteran quarterback played in 15 games this past season, completing 60.8% of his passes for 3,522 yards with 24 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
Here are my hypothetical odds for where Carr could wind up this offseason:
Odds for Derek Carr’s next team this offseason
- New York Jets (+175)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+225)
- Indianapolis Colts (+250)
- New Orleans Saints (+275)
- Carolina Panthers (+300)
- Washington Commanders (+400)
- The Field (+400)
New York Jets (+175)
It’s no secret that the Jets need a quarterback as bad as anyone. New York was 6-3 midway through last season before injuries and poor QB play derailed their season.
Running it back with Zach Wilson & Co. feels foolish. It’s more of a question of who the Jets acquire rather than if they will.
Though some reports have linked Aaron Rodgers to New York, Carr might make more sense. Carr is eight years younger than Rodgers, and could be an answer beyond this season. The Jets wouldn’t have to trade any capital to add him, either.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+225)
It feels like Tampa Bay could go one of two ways this offseason: Leaning into a rebuild or trying to patch their holes and run it back.
Much of it hinges on who is succeeding the GOAT.
There’s no evidence to suggest that Kyle Trask is the answer for Tampa Bay, and this roster feels too good to just give up on the offense.
With Brady’s contract off the books, it makes sense for the Bucs to pony up for Carr. And who doesn’t want to live in Tampa?
Indianapolis Colts (+250)
Fresh off hiring offensive coordinator Shane Steichen away from the Philadelphia Eagles on Tuesday, the Colts might want to upgrade their quarterback, too.
After seeing some Sam Ehlinger last season and way too much Matt Ryan, it’s obvious that the Colts are sorely in need of a new QB…again.
You don’t go hire an offensive-minded coach without giving him the necessary weapons to compete. If the Colts don’t add Carr, it will be someone else intriguing.
New Orleans Saints (+275)
Watching Jameis Winston, Andy Dalton and Taysom Hill share quarterbacking duties for the Saints this past season was downright painful.
This isn’t an awful team. The Saints could benefit greatly from improved quarterback play, especially in the NFC South – the most winnable division in football. It would be worth it for them to take a shot at Carr, but the question is at what cost?
The Saints were reportedly close to trading for Carr recently, but wanted the veteran QB to take a pay cut. It’s unlikely that Carr will take any sort of pay cut to play in New Orleans.
Carolina Panthers (+300)
Carolina had a surprisingly strong finish to the season, going 5-3 to finish 7-10 in a three-way tie for second place in the NFC South. Sam Darnold probably isn’t the answer for Carolina, who also has PJ Walker and Matt Corral as options as well.
There’s no doubt Carr would elevate this team’s play, but is the price tag (likely $40 million range) worth it for a team that might not be good enough to make a postseason run with him?
It’s a tough call that only the Panthers front office can make.
Washington Commanders (+400)
Man, there really are a lot of NFL teams that could go to the next level with a better quarterback. Carson Wentz and Taylor Heinicke each flashed glimpses of good passing last year, but glimpses don’t win games.
Even a league average quarterback would instantly make this team a playoff contender. There is an argument to be made that the Commanders want to see what they have in Sam Howell and could sit tight with Wentz in the meantime. But that feels like kicking the can down the road.
The Field (+400)
There aren’t a ton of other teams that make much sense for Carr. Aside from the teams above, arguments could be made for the Atlanta Falcons, Houston Texans and even the New England Patriots. But I still don’t think any of those teams are very likely to go get Carr.
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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.