INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – No quarterback spoke at the Combine, but that didn’t stop both the Panthers’ head coach and general manager from raving about a QB.
It’s been two weeks since the Las Vegas Raiders officially informed Derek Carr he was being released, effectively making him an available free agent on the spot – not a free agent to be in March. Ultimately, this means Carr is free to sign with a club as early as today.
That being the case, the veteran signal caller isn’t wasting any time meeting the teams. The Carolina Panthers are one of those teams, who Carr met with during the Combine.
Frank Reich, Scott Fitterer throw high praise at Derek Carr
On Wednesday afternoon, Panthers’ head coach Frank Reich took to the podium to give his thoughts on various things, including the now-former Raiders’ quarterback and their meeting together.
“Good meeting with Derek. I really have a lot of respect for what he’s done in his career,” Reich said before going into detail about Carr’s fit with the Panthers.
“Derek is an excellent leader. He’s an excellent passer. He’s very accomplished. You look at the fit; how does he fit with the guys in our locker room? He checks a lot of boxes. It’s a unique opportunity to meet with someone of that caliber and we don’t take that for granted.”
Soon after, Panthers’ general manager Scott Fitterer had his turn at the podium. There was no disconnect between him and his head coach on Carr, as he echoed the same sentiments as Reich.
$35 million in cap space is a lot to devote to one player, but Fitterer is still thinking positively. As he notes, signing Carr as a free agent means the team is able to hold onto their draft picks and use them elsewhere.
Carr and the Panthers will speak again sometime next week, per Fitterer. If the two sides agree the move is best for both parties, Carr can become a Panther immediately.
*Top Photo: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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