Latest Derek Carr to the Jets rumor ready for takeoff

February 14, 2023 ndowd

These latest Derek Carr to the New York Jets rumors are really starting to take flight now.

Derek Carr is not going to play for the Las Vegas Raiders anymore, but he could end up quarterbacking the New York Jets next season.

Carr may not be willing to waive his no-trade clause, but he will be finding a new place to play football in a few days. The Pro Bowl quarterback and former Fresno State star will have plenty of suitors, including Gang Green. While the Jets were probably going to be in on him anyway, New York hiring former Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Todd Downing breathes that into life.

Downing worked with Carr previously in Oakland, serving as his offensive coordinator for a bit.

The #Jets are hiring former #Titans OC Todd Downing as their new passing game coordinator, sources say, adding a veteran assistant with extensive experience to join new OC Nathaniel Hackett. Robert Saleh continues to beef up his offensive staff.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 13, 2023

Of course, the Jets have connections to other quarterbacks who could be on the market, whether that is Aaron Rodgers (Nathaniel Hackett), Jimmy Garoppolo (Robert Saleh) or now, even Ryan Tannehill (Downing).

The #Jets not only helped their offensive staff but… can now be linked to another potentially available QB this offseason.
— Nathaniel Hackett = Aaron Rodgers
— Todd Downing = Ryan Tannehill + Derek Carr
— Robert Saleh = Jimmy Garoppolo https://t.co/N9HRTNH4hS

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 13, 2023

Regardless, the Downing hire does make the Jets’ chances of signing Carr all the more stronger.

Latest New York Jets coaching hire connects Derek Carr to Gang Green

In truth, signing Carr would only be a temporary solution to a long-term problem. While you have to applaud their willingness to draft a quarterback in the first round, it’s been a lot of Zach Wilsons and Sam Darnolds of late. When Mark Sanchez is the best quarterback you have drafted since Chad Pennington, that might be a problem. Richard Todds and Ken O’Briens do not grow on trees.

However, Carr could be exactly what the Jets are looking for. They seem to have a good roster No. 2 to 53, but need more than league-worst quarterback play. Carr is probably not anything close to a top-10 player at his position in the NFL anymore, but he is more than serviceable. If they catch a few lucky bounces here and there, New York can finally end its decade-plus playoff drought soon.

Ultimately, the Jets need to keep this close to the vest. Not to say they have a ton of leverage, but they have options. It may not be the right time in their competitive life cycle to use a first-round pick on a quarterback, but getting a savvy veteran who makes more good plays than bad, you can work with that. Carr does need a new start, but it remains to be seen if the Jets are his best option.

Not to say Carr and Downing did extraordinary things together before, but they do have familiarity.

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