Four-time Pro Bowler quarterback Derek Carr is unwilling to take a pay cut this upcoming offseason so this may trigger a trade. According to multiple reports, the veteran will not take a pay cut to stay with the New Orleans Saints since he feels like he already proves what he puts on tape. Unfortunately, this isn’t the news the Saints want to hear, especially since they’ll heading into another offseason in salary cap hell which they’re going to need to make room for money by a miracle. This means several veterans like Cameron Jordan, Tyrann Mathieu and Chris Olave will have uncertain futures and they could put Carr on top of the list.
Originally selected in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft, the former Fresno State product helped the Las Vegas Raiders reach their first playoff appearance during the 2016 season, which was the first one since 2002. Following an ugly 2022 campaign, the veteran lost his job as the starter and agreed on the terms of his release. However, Carr was hoping to revitalize his career with the New Orleans Saints but that might not happen much longer if he isn’t able to help them save money. The veteran was out for the majority of last season with an injury, so this is something the Saints will take into account when determining his future with the team.
Carr is still a high-mobile signal-caller in the league but he won’t earn a long-term deal anymore since he’s aging. He might have to settle for a backup position before earning starting duties again. The Panthers, Ravens are amongst the five teams who could trade for him in March.
Contract Standoff? Pro Bowler Derek Carr Unwilling To Take Pay Cut – Panthers, Ravens Among Next Possible Destinations
Five Possible Next Teams
Carolina Panthers
It’s hard to determine if the Carolina Panthers are going to have faith in quarterback Bryce Young. After benching him in the past 2024 campaign, the Panthers might search for a new signal-caller if they feel Young isn’t the future. However, a veteran like Derek Carr could solve the problems the Panthers have no matter the pass catchers they have and that was evident in New Orleans with Chris Olave as pretty much the only reliability.
Baltimore Ravens
No one is taking Lamar Jackson‘s job for the next several years, but trading Derek Carr to Baltimore could buy him some time. Carr’s presence in Baltimore could make the entire offense comfortable considering their current backup quarterback is Josh Johnson. If Jackson goes down with an injury then that possibly means the Ravens season is over but Carr possibly coming in could give the team some temporary relief.
Kansas City Chiefs
Meanwhile, backup Carson Wentz had one of the worst games against the Denver Broncos in a matchup that didn’t even matter. This was a chance for Wentz to prove to other teams in the league he could be reliable but that isn’t happening anytime soon. However, Carr joining the Chiefs wouldn’t affect Patrick Mahomes‘ job but it gives the veteran some time to learn from one of the best arms before he hangs up his cleats with a new team.
San Francisco 49ers
Brock Purdy wants to get a deal done quickly even though the 49ers might be hesitant to do that. After his latest injury, head coach Kyle Shanahan and the rest of the organization will have a tough decision to make. However, Purdy isn’t just one of them, wide receiver Deebo Samuel needs a new contract too. If worst comes to worst, they might have to embrace a trade for Derek Carr this offseason if Purdy doesn’t receive a contract extension.
Atlanta Falcons
Kirk Cousins will be heading to a new team this upcoming offseason since upcoming second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will take over starting duties. The Atlanta Falcons can’t afford to rush starting Penix, but a veteran like Derek Carr could keep the team competitive. Carr’s days are numbered in the league and with reliable players like Darnell Mooney and Drake London can’t go to waste.
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