Derek Carr’s desired salary is hint that he has no interest in this team

Derek Carr’s desired salary has been revealed, and the price point he’s looking to achieve might actually surprise some people.

You would think that Derek Carr, being the best veteran quarterback available on the open market, would push for $40-50 million in a league where Kyler Murray is making $46 million per year.

Instead, he’s seeking $35 million according to Diana Russini (H/T Dov Kleinman). That puts him just below Dak Prescott and in-line with Kirk Cousins and Jared Goff.

Quarterback is the most important position on the field, and as such, the market keeps growing and growing, especially as the salary cap rises year-to-year in the NFL. Previously, his contract with the Raiders was a $40.5 annual average before the team released him.

Contracts around $35 million for a proven, veteran quarterback (remember, Carr is a four-time Pro Bowler) in 2023 is extremely affordable.

Market for Derek Carr could push him well above his target price

The contract Carr is looking for could very well be a strategic starting point. $35 million is low for a starting veteran quarterback. Carr knows it, every team courting him knows it.

That number will motivate teams to move quickly and get their offers in, which could prompt a bidding war that pushes him well into the range that feels more in line with the services he can offer: $40-45 million per year. But the timing as well as the figures suggest one team might be out of the running.

After all, Carr waived his existing contract to enter free agency. Why would he go for the open market with the intention of securing a lower salary? Unless he’s hoping to tack on more years and a higher contract value in total.

The Saints tried to get ahead of the bidding and trade for Carr outright. He did not waive his no-trade clause to allow the Raiders to trade him in favor of controlling his destiny.

He could have kept his existing, $40.5 million salary in New Orleans weeks ago. Now he’s targeting 35?

Seems as though it’s a sign the Saints could very well be out of the race, or will have to pay a premium to get him to New Orleans.