6 Landing Spots for Derek Carr That Could Shape the 2023 NFL Draft
By Peter Jurich
Derek Carr is set to hit free agency following his release from the Las Vegas Raiders. The nine-year veteran will be the first quarterback domino to fall before the 2023 NFL Draft.
With Derek Carr’s release from the Las Vegas Raiders now official, it marks one of the few times in NFL history that a quarterback with his experience and production will hit the free agent market while still in their prime, with the most recent example being Kirk Cousins. At the time, Cousins’ contract with the Minnesota Vikings made him the highest-paid player in NFL history, and Carr’s contract could approach, and likely even surpass, this number.
6 Landing Spots for Derek Carr That Could Shape the 2023 NFL Draft
Because of this expensive price tag, any team interested in the veteran quarterback will need to be confident in its young talent, its chance to compete within the division, and its potential options in the 2023 NFL Draft. With multiple teams needing an upgrade at quarterback this year, there are only so many rookies that will be starting behind center in 2023. For the following six teams, signing Carr makes sense as they likely won’t be able to draft a quarterback of the future this offseason.
Seattle Seahawks
Seattle has a great amount of leverage in the first round this year with the No. 5 and No. 20 overall selections. While there is certainly a reality where they trade up to select any rookie quarterback they want, signing Carr would mean that the team could use both picks to address other needs on their roster, such as the interior of the offensive line and/or the edge rusher position.
The Seahawks already have a young offensive core in place with D.K. Metcalf and Kenneth Walker III, and adding Carr would raise their ceiling from a season ago with Geno Smith. As of today, the Seahawks have the seventh-most cap space available, so there is certainly an avenue for this team to lock down Carr to a long-term contract.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons have the No. 8 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, and with multiple QB-needy teams drafting in front of them — as well as the threat of the Panthers leapfrogging them via trade — it might be difficult for Atlanta to select a rookie quarterback. Signing Carr would alleviate any worry of them losing in the game of quarterback musical chairs that will happen this offseason.
The move simultaneously provides a dramatic increase in experience and production from Marcus Mariota and rookie Desmond Ridder a season ago. Like Seattle, the Falcons have an explosive young core of offensive talent, and bringing in a veteran like Carr could raise the ceiling quite a bit. It also helps that the Falcons have the second-most cap space at their disposal this offseason, so they would be able to meet any and all contract demands that the former Raider asks for.