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Where will Derek Carr Play Next Season? Odds and Expert Predictions

by Sean Barnard - 2/16/2023

Where will Derek Carr play next season

At the top of the list of ugly breakups among quarterbacks/teams is Derek Carr and the Las Vegas Raiders. Carr has been the franchise's starter since 2014 and set several records for the organization. However, he was shut down before the season ended and the writing was on the wall for his future in Las Vegas. He was officially released from the organization before his $40.4 million contract became guaranteed and now has begun his search for a new team. The 31-year-old is a four-time Pro Bowler and would be an upgrade for a number of teams. While the future of Aaron Rodgers or Lamar Jackson could shift things, here is the best value for where Carr’s 2022-23 destination will be.

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Panthers: +140

The Panthers did not find success with either Sam Darnold or Baker Mayfield last season, and the quarterback position remains unstable. Steve Wilks deserves a ton of credit for keeping the team afloat after the midseason firing of Matt Rhule. Despite the 6-6 record Wilks led the Panthers to during his tenure, the franchise elected to hire Frank Reich as head coach, signaling a new era. While they own the No. 9 pick in the draft and could opt to take a quarterback with this selection, Carr brings a veteran leadership that could appeal to them. He is still set to have many successful years ahead of him, and the Panthers have one of the easiest paths toward making the finances possible.

Saints +150

Neither Jameis Winston nor Andy Dalton was able to grab the starting quarterback job in the way it was hoped for the Saints this season. While Taysom Hill has been effective in small doses, he also is not made out to be a true starting quarterback in the way it was once hoped. This brings the Saints to focus toward bringing in another quarterback, with Carr seemingly near the top of the list. They also will be without a first-round pick, which increases the need to capitalize in free agency. The former Raiders star has already visited the New Orleans facility and is being recruited through Twitter by players like Cameron Jordan. New Orleans has the cap space and the resources to make it happen, so it will come down to if Carr finds the destination appealing. New Orleans is not as far off from competing as it may seem and has plenty of solid roster spots in place.

Jets +300

The New York Jets are sure to swing for the fences as they have made it clear they believe a veteran starting quarterback is their missing piece. New York had a top-five defense last year and still nearly punched their offseason ticked despite the inconsistent play of Zach Wilson, Mike White, and Joe Flacco. Even with the sporadic quarterback play, last season was a massive step forward for the franchise. Adding a true building block quarterback will be the next step in the progression, and Carr’s ability to win right now will put him on the Jets' radar. He also has ties to new Jets assistant coach Todd Downing, who was Carr’s quarterback coach and offensive coordinator during his Pro Bowl years between 2015 and 2017. While there are questions about the availability of Rodgers and Jackson, Carr is there for the taking, and don’t be surprised if the Jets pounce fast.

Buccaneers +900

With the 2021 Super Bowl still fresh in memory, it should not be a surprise if the Buccaneers look to rekindle the magic and bring in another veteran. Following Brady’s retirement, the Buccaneers will be actively shopping for a new quarterback, as Blaine Gabbert and Kyle Trask are the only ones remaining on the roster. The NFC South is regarded as one of the weakest divisions in the NFL, as evidenced by none of the four teams cracking .500 last season. Adding Carr would allow the Buccaneers to compete right away. Serving out the rest of his career in Florida worked for Brady, and the blueprint is laid for Carr to do the same.

Other Odds:

Patriots: +1400

Commanders: +1600

Packers: +1800

Falcons: +2000

Titans: +2000

Colts: +2200

Texans: +5000

The Pick:

Both Rodgers and Jackson have some outside circumstances with their teams that will impact their availability. With Carr being the only surefire quarterback available, expect the team that is most desperate to strike first. Look no further than the New York Jets. Carr may not be the surefire superstar fans are imagining, and there are some concerns, but he would be the best-starting quarterback for the franchise in the 21st century. Expect New York to act swiftly and make Carr an offer he can’t refuse, especially if the status of the other star quarterbacks looks rocky. The relationship with Wilson has soured quickly, and the infrastructure is in place for the Jets to win now. Given the connections within the organization, and the need to act quickly, the stars will align for Carr to move to New York. While both the Saints and Panthers have legitimate cases, it is surprising to see New York at +300 in value and expect the Jets to pounce on this opportunity.

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