After the Las Vegas Raiders’ nine-year starter, Derek Carr, said his goodbyes yesterday, another organization has come forward with not wanting to say hello. Zac Keefer, who covers the Indianapolis Colts for The Athletic, has come forward with a strong statement.
Since some are still asking, no, the Colts are **not** trading for Derek Carr https://t.co/LZ5ETa5cQQ
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) January 12, 2023
Considering that owner Jim Irsay’s organization has struck out on these veteran quarterbacks since Andrew Luck’s retirement in 2019, it makes sense why they presumably will not trade for Carr.
- Carson Wentz
- Jacoby Brissett
- Matt Ryan
- Nick Foles
- Philip Rivers
A very uninspiring list, and with the Colts having the fourth overall draft pick – they are in a prime position to take their quarterback of the future. That said, it is time to look at other possible destinations for the (presumably) former Raider.
Derek Carr to the New England Patriots?
As many people within Raider Nation may not like it, the ‘Patriot Way’ has marched to Las Vegas. The two organizations now have deep connections with one another. Last season, the Silver and Black traded, for now, starter Jarrett Stidham. Stidham is familiar with the system, but some quickly forget that Mac Jones was still the apple of head coach Josh McDaniels’ eye even after their Week 15 30-24 victory over the New England Patriots. It is possible that a trade involving the two quarterbacks could occur, as Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has not spoken highly of Mac Jones in recent times.
Does Bill Belichick envision Mac Jones being his starting QB next season?
"Mac has the ability to play quarterback in this league…"
via @Patriots pic.twitter.com/TJsRyzZJc2
— NFL on CBS 🈠(@NFLonCBS) January 9, 2023
Belichick has never been known for much emotion in press conferences. Still, one could infer that his refusal to say ‘yes’ here shows that his young quarterback could potentially be on the move for a veteran signal-caller – like Derek Carr.
Green Bay Packers
A destination that few have spoken of is the Frozen Tundra. The Green Bay Packers organization is again being held hostage by Aaron Rodgers this off-season. He left the media hanging in his last press conference of the season – exactly like last year.
It was the last question of the last press conference.
If this was your last game at Lambeau Field, what will you miss the most? #Packers pic.twitter.com/cbYA4h737D— Mike Clemens (@MikeClemensNFL) January 12, 2023
Should Rodgers retire, it leaves former first-round pick Jordan Love at the helm. Love has shown flashes, but with a strong roster – the Packers would more than likely look into bringing in a veteran signal-caller. However, for a team looking to win now, the Packers can afford to give up the good assets for the Raiders’ veteran.
Baltimore Ravens
Another outside-of-the-box destination for Derek Carr is the Baltimore Ravens. Ravens starting quarterback Lamar Jackson still has not received a new contract from the organization, as he is set to become an unrestricted free agent this year. However, with Jackson’s injury status and complex contract negotiations, the Ravens could look in another direction. Should Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta allow Lamar Jackson to hit free agency (nor apply the franchise tag), that would leave a significant void behind center. In addition, a trade between the two organizations involving Lamar could even occur. However, like the Packers, head coach John Harbaugh’s team is in a win-now mode and can afford to splurge for Derek Carr if necessary.
$33 Million A Year For Derek Carr: “That’s Not Happening” Says Rich Eisen
*Top Photo by USA Today Sports