It’s rare for even a coveted NFL starting quarterback to hit the open market, but that’s exactly what happened when Derek Carr was released by the Raiders after nine seasons.
Both sides explored a trade, with Carr spending multiple days in New Orleans to visit the Saints, but his contract got in the way of a deal.
Carr held a no-trade clause, and the $40.4 million remaining on his contract would have become guaranteed on Feb. 15 if he was still on the Raiders. After he told Las Vegas he would not accept any trade, the organization had no interest in being on the hook for that kind of money and cut him loose.
MORE: Why Raiders released Derek Carr after failed trade to Saints
The move will allow Carr to choose his next destination, and he can sign with any team immediately. But this is a process that will apparently take some time.
Carr’s decision is also tied to Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, who is still making his own decision about his future. Carr figures to have similar suitors as Rodgers, particularly the Jets, so he could lose an option if Rodgers becomes available and New York is motivated to strike a deal with the Packers.
Follow along with the latest updates about Carr’s free agent decision.
Latest Derek Carr rumors
Monday, Feb. 27
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Carr is heading to Indianapolis to meet with multiple teams at the NFL Combine.
Rapoport says Carr’s priority right now is fit, rather than money, and the presence of all 32 teams in one place should allow the former Raiders quarterback’s free agency to move closer to a resolution.
From @NFLTotalAccess: QB Derek Carr is headed to Indianapolis to meet with several teams, as his free agency comes into focus. It’s about finding the right fit. pic.twitter.com/mTN7zLZ2Ih
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 28, 2023
Carr already spent time with the Saints before his release and the Jets after his release.
Monday, Feb. 20
Carr’s brother, David, said on NFL Network that the free agency is going to be “a long process.”
“He wants to do his due diligence and see as many places as he can to get a feel for what the best place for him will be,” he added.
Free Agent Derek Carr visited the Jets over the weekend 👀 (via @NFLTotalAccess) pic.twitter.com/ZPaQwy5TLI
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) February 21, 2023
Carr already visited the Saints before his release and spent time with the Jets over the weekend, but the Panthers reportedly have interest in the former Raiders quarterback and many other teams are facing uncertain quarterback situations.
MORE: Derek Carr landing spots: Jets, Saints among best fits as Raiders release long-time QB
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported that while Carr’s Jets visit resulted in “rave reviews,” both sides have “multiple irons in the fire.” For the Jets, that might be Rodgers, while Carr’s irons in the fire include the Saints and Panthers.
As @DCarr8 notes here, Derek Carr’s visit with the #Jets resulted in rave reviews on both ends. Was very productive for Carr and the team. Both sides have multiple irons in the fire, so we wait and see how it plays out. But all parties came away feeling good about a possible fit. https://t.co/ZDQ6daTbQW
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) February 21, 2023
Saturday, Feb. 18
Carr spent the weekend visiting with the Jets, his first visit since his release. He was seen having lunch with coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett on Saturday.
@AdamSchefter Derek Carr and Robert Saleh enjoying lunch in Summit, NJ (Fiorino Ristorante) 😯 pic.twitter.com/x06Tmb4M3b
— Shikey T (@ShikeyTues) February 18, 2023
The Jets have made it clear they will add a veteran quarterback this offseason and are reportedly interested in Rodgers, but Carr is the most viable alternative to Rodgers as the Packers quarterback makes his decision.
According to his brother, Carr “hit it off” with Saleh during his visit and has been trying to learn what New York’s offense will look like under Hackett.