With Derek Carr being signed by the Saints this changes and confirms many QB situations around the league.
Written by: Chaim Cohen
March 6, 2023
Big Paydays Coming For QB's This Offseason?
While Derek Carr going to the Saints isn't a big move the one thing that really stands out is the money he's getting. Derek Carr who got benched and cut was just signed for 150 million over 4 years. Seeing Carr get signed for over 30 million a year we have to ask, what does this mean for free-agent QB's Daniel Jones, Kyler Murray, Geno Smith, and Lamar Jackson?
Derek Carr's new contract with the Saints is reportedly a 4-year deal worth $150 million. Jones is currently in negotiations with the New York Giants, and his agents are reportedly asking for a long-term deal worth over $45 million per year. This is a substantial amount of money, and it remains to be seen whether the Giants will be willing to meet these demands. If they are unable to come to an agreement by Tuesday, the team is expected to use the franchise tag on Jones. As for Kyler Murray, there have been no recent reports of contract negotiations or demands from his agents. However, it is worth noting that Murray has not been getting much interest from potential coaches. Either way, I figure the Cardinals don't want to find a new QB so they will end up overpaying him also, and seeing Carr get paid this much I'd guess Kyler gets paid even more. Geno Smith of the Seahawks is another quarterback to look at and even though he is 32 he made the Pro Bowl so I'd expect him to get resigned for a few years and make around 25 million a year which is crazy to think about considering that he was a backup just two years ago. The biggest free-agent quarterback has to be Lamar Jackson. While you would think if Daniel Jones is asking for 45 a year then Lamar would easily get 45 you would be wrong. Sadly Lamar has gotten the really unfair end of the stick and he and his team are reportedly struggling to agree to terms with Baltimore for a contract they like. Baltimore will likely just end up franchise-tagging him but there is no chance Lamar doesn't hold out at that point, whether it's demanding a trade or more money. At the end of the day the QB market is only going up right now and LAMAR DESERVES HIS BAG!
What This Move Means for the Rest of the Teams
Rodgers to the Jets?
According to reports, the New York Jets were believed to be in the running for Derek Carr before he apparently decided to sign with the New Orleans Saints. ESPN had previously hinted that the veteran quarterback was leaning towards joining Gang Green. The Jets have been quite vocal about their desire to acquire an experienced and proven starter for the upcoming season. However, Aaron Rodgers would be an even more ideal choice for them, provided he doesn't retire and is willing to part ways with the Green Bay Packers. The Jets are likely to explore all options to secure a top-tier quarterback ahead of the new season. Rodgers also would be happy to follow in the footsteps of Brett Favre, who also joined New York after he left the Packers.
Panthers now on track to draft a QB
While this may have always been the case new coach Frank Reich was openly supportive of Carr as a possibility, even suggesting the free agent is still in his "prime" going on 32. With Carr now set to play the Panthers twice a year instead of suit up for them, it's still possible Carolina will turn to the veteran well for a placeholder/mentor at the position. But owner David Tepper has been hunting for a long-term answer for a while, and this makes it all the more likely they'll pursue their new face of the franchise early in the draft, where they hold the No. 9 overall pick but figure to explore trades up.
Garoppolo to the Raiders?
Well now we obviously know Carr will not return to the Raiders, but his move to the Saints has also eliminated the Jets as a potential suitor. This shift in the quarterback market may increase the likelihood of the Jets pursuing Aaron Rodgers. As a result, Jimmy Garoppolo, another experienced quarterback, may become available. The Raiders could be interested in Garoppolo since their coach, Josh McDaniels, has a prior connection with him from their time together on the New England Patriots. Additionally, the Raiders have acknowledged that they may not find a long-term QB solution this offseason, so Garoppolo could potentially serve as a temporary placeholder in 2023.
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