Latest On Derek Carr’s Free Agency Choice

Like the jets give Aaron Rodgers Their best selling point, four quarterbacks came off the market in 30 hours. Although Lamar Jackson, Daniel Jones And Geno Smith were never serious candidates to hit the free hand, the Saints signing Derek Carr took away the Jets’ Rodgers backup plan.

However, the Saints were the first team to meet with Carr and invited him to visit before the Raiders released him. Carr was “far more comfortable” with the Saints compared to the Jets, notes Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio.

The NFC South offers a better route to a division title — something Carr failed to achieve with the Raiders Peyton Manning– And Patrick Mahomes-led teams stood in his way – compared to the AFC East as the rest of the division still copes with the quarterback’s uncertainty. The Saints didn’t wait for Rodgers either, as the Jets had informed Carr that he was their second pick. As Rodgers continues to take his time, the Saints hit their top target. New Orleans’ media market is also a little less hectic compared to the Big Apple, an aspect that may or may not have affected Carr’s level of comfort.

Carr signed a four-year, $150 million deal to attend a less threatening conference when it comes to QB talent, and his fourth NFL contract offers more long-term security compared to his 2022 rejoining with the Raiders. Carr is suspended until 2024 with his signing bonus and 2023 and 24 salaries guaranteed upon signing. Carr will transition $10 million of his 2025 salary from an injury guarantee to a full guarantee in March 2024, Florio adds. All of Carr’s $40 million in 2025 — a roster bonus and $30 million in base salary — is guaranteed against injuries at the signing.

This looks more like a two-year deal with an option for a third year, with Carr virtually assured of not being tied to the deal until 2026. This year includes a $50 million non-guaranteed base salary, adds Florio. However, Year 4 pushed the reported AAV to $37.5 million per year. Carr was linked to a desire for a deal averaging $35 million. The 10-year veteran has made it, and if his second act in the NFC goes well, it may not be the only Saints pact the former Raider signs.

Carr, 31, was interested in the Jets, and the teams met twice — in New York and Indianapolis — but their schedules didn’t match. Some viewed under the Jets Jimmy Garoppolo as a legitimate option before the front office gets involved with Carr. If this Rodgers meeting doesn’t produce an alignment, louder Garoppolo noise numbers will soon be coming out of New York. However, the Jets will have to wait until March 13 to speak with Garoppolo as he is said to be an unrestricted free agent.