NFL free agency 2023: Ranking the 5 best quarterbacks available

4. Derek Carr

Carr enjoys the distinction of being the best quarterback who is likely to change teams in the immediate future. The Raiders opted to release the accomplished veteran which means he’s already free to sign with any team willing to meet his asking price.

The former second-round pick has already met with several teams and is scheduled to meet with several more at the NFL Combine. He’s not going to suddenly blossom as a superstar with his next team, but the right offensive ecosystem might allow Carr to function as one of the top 15 quarterbacks in the league.

The real question teams interested in Carr have to ask themselves is whether or not he’s worth the investment required to land him. His unfettered status on the open market means he can command a serious premium. Teams in need of a quarterback could easily opt to draft an unproven rookie with a potentially higher upside. That would leave their salary cap in better shape than paying Carr big-time money.

On the other hand, Carr is a guy who can help a quality roster transform into a playoff team in short order. A team like the Jets could easily view him as the missing piece if they miss out on their quest to trade for Aaron Rodgers. Carr is going to land a big deal with someone and it might happen sooner than most fans expect.