Three possible landing spots for Derek Carr

It’s been another rollercoaster season for Derek Carr and the Las Vegas Raiders.

After the optimism surrounding the team coming into the year, with a new head coach and blockbuster trade for Davante Adams, 2022 is certainly ending in disappointing fashion.

Now, with a change at quarterback and Jarrett Stidham being promoted to start the last two games of the 2022 NFL season, it feels like this could be a precursor for both Carr and Las Vegas to move on in the offseason.

Carr, drafted in the second-round of the 2014 NFL Draft, has struggled for consistency as a Raiders. Despite having just two winning seasons in nine seasons, Carr has often been praised as a leader and is certainly capable of being a valuable asset for many temas.

There is no doubt he’ll attract attention this offseason. Here are three landing spots for Carr next season:

New York Jets

An obvious choice. The New York Jets are in need of competence and experience at the quarterback position, after years of little progress with Sam Darnold, and now with Zach Wilson.

With Wilson’s career in New York almost certainly over, Mike White is the starter going forward. But even he is set to be a free agent next year. And despite his popularity amongst the Jets faithful, there is no guarantee that’ll White will return for Gang Green in 2023.

Carr presents the solution the Jets are desperately looking for. General manager Joe Douglas may be put off by the heavy contract that comes with him, but he knows his side are just a quarterback from being a great football team.

The likes of Jimmy Garoppolo and perhaps even Lamar Jackson in free agency are also potential options for New York. But if the Raiders have interest in Wilson, and Carr is available, a trade between the two teams could be a real possibility in the summer.

Indianapolis Colts

Another year, another Colts QB failing to last longer than a season. Like Carr, Matt Ryan has also been benched, so it looks like he too could be moving on to another team in 2023. So, it looks almost a certainty that Indianapolis with be in the market for a QB, either in free agency of the draft.

Going down the veteran route is a predictable move for the Colts, considering their recent history, so a move for Carr wouldn’t be out of the question. On paper, the Colts still have a decent roster. An effective quarterback would certainly stop the rot with this team.

The Colts have the cap space to make this happen. A new coach and a new QB would not only rejuvenate their own fortunes, but also the career of Carr himself.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tom Brady is looking increasingly likely to leave Tampa Bay in the summer. With Blaine Gabbert and Kyle Trask unconvincing current options, a move for someone like Derek Carr could be on the cards.

The Buccaneers team is built to win now. And despite a disappointing 2022, they will be confident of their ability to compete in 2023. If Brady does leave, bringing in an experienced QB to replace him would be the most obvious solution.

The Bucs do have a tight salary cap situation, and given Carr signed a big new contract earlier in 2022, this move is problematic. But it’s certainly one that the team would be keen for if the opportunity came about.