Latest NFL quarterback rumor involving four-time Pro Bowler should interest Vikings, Steelers, Jets originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Minnesota Vikings, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New York Jets will be in the quarterback market in some way this offseason, and the latest quarterback rumor should have their attention.
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According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero, and Mike Garafolo, retired NFL quarterback Derek Carr is considering a return to football with the right situation.
“That work continues, and an offseason of quarterback uncertainty — with limited options in free agency, trades and the draft — makes Carr a possible solution in the right situation.”
The insiders added that the New Orleans Saints still hold Carr’s rights, meaning a team interested in Carr may have to give up draft capital to New Orleans.
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“The Saints still hold Carr’s rights, though Tyler Shough’s impressive rookie season, the amicable end to Carr’s time in New Orleans and the way the sides worked through any salary-cap issues add up to his tolled contract being an unlikely hurdle in the process. The Saints could ask for compensation in a trade, though the price surely wouldn’t be an unreasonable ask for a player who has no future in New Orleans.”
If Carr decides to come out of retirement, he should have some interest, given the number of franchises that are expected to pursue a signal-caller. However, it remains to be seen whether the 34-year-old can still be a viable starting quarterback.
Nevertheless, the Vikings, Steelers, and Jets should at least look into Carr’s availability.
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Minnesota must add some type of veteran competition for J.J. McCarthy, and Carr would be a solid acquisition who could at least start a few games if needed and provide high-level play as a backup.
Aaron Rodgers could call it a career this offseason, which would throw Pittsburgh into the middle of the quarterback carousel.
If Carr ends up coming back, the Steelers could look to trade for the four-time Pro Bowler and have him serve as a bridge starter.
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Justin Fields’ time in New York seems to be coming to an end soon, meaning the Jets are likely to have a new Week 1 starter. The Jets could trade for Carr and select a young signal-caller to usher in a new era at the position.
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