Derek Carr is leaning towards one particular suitor

With the 2023 league year approaching, it appears that free agent quarterback Derek Carr has a preference as to which team he wants to play for.

The 2023 league year officially begins on March 15, but the negotiation window opens up on March 13. When it comes to Derek Carr, he can sign much sooner before then, considering he was released from his contract by the Las Vegas Raiders mere days after Super Bowl 57.

Carr has had the opportunity to meet with teams, most notably the New Orleans Saints, New York Jets and Carolina Panthers. From visiting them at their respective facilities to meeting up at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

So, which team has the advantage thus far?

According to ESPN senior NFL reporter, Carr has “a slight lean” towards the Jets as his preferred team. Fowler includes the caveat that this is how Carr feels “as of now” and that “nothing is final.”

Derek Carr reportedly leaning towards signing with Jets

While Carr wants to sign with the Jets, it is important to note that the team has been heavily linked to Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

The thing is, it’s unknown when Rodgers will be making a decision regarding his playing status for the 2023 season. His choices are remaining with the Packers, requesting a trade to play elsewhere, or retire. In Rodgers’ recent appearance on the “Aubrey Marcus Podcast,” he said that a decision will come “soon enough.”

In terms of roster, the Jets are the most complete of the three teams. They have a young wide receiver corps, led by Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson, and a stout defense. This is a team that missed out on the playoffs due to quarterback play.

With Carr entering his 32-year-old season, he would bring some stability to the position. Yes, even though this past season was disappointing for Carr, he threw for over 4,000 yards from 2018 until 2021.

The Jets wouldn’t have to give up draft capital to get Carr. All they would have to do is sign him to a contract, and use their 13th-overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft to bring him some talent, especially on the offensive line.

Again, nothing is final, but as of this writing and as of Fowler’s tweet, Carr is slightly leaning towards joining the Jets.