Panthers' Frank Reich dances around Derek Carr topic

New Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich wasn't ready to say Tuesday when or if he'll be welcoming free-agent quarterback Derek Carr for a visit. 

"First staff meeting will be tomorrow," Reich said during a news conference, per Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk. "But I’ve kind of met with guys individually saying, here’s what we’re doing. Step one, let’s evaluate our roster. So, we’re really just starting that process. So, step two, evaluate the free agents. Everybody got their list. Step three, now we’re going to the college guys. So, that process has literally [just] begun, so really not ready to discuss the specifics of that because we’re really just beginning."

Carr openly flirted with the New Orleans Saints when he was still attached to the Las Vegas Raiders and more recently completed what has widely been reported to have been a positive meeting with the New York Jets. 

However, former NFL quarterback David Carr, Derek Carr's brother, said Monday during an NFL Network appearance that Derek "wants to do his due diligence" and that his search for a new employer is "gonna be a long process." 

While it's understandable Derek Carr has repeatedly been linked in rumors with a Panthers team presumably looking for an upgrade over the likes of Sam Darnold and PJ Walker, it's unclear how interested Carolina is in acquiring the services of the four-time Pro Bowl selection. 

On Tuesday morning, it was mentioned that "a league source told ESPN's David Newton that Carolina does not plan to heavily pursue" Carr. That same source added that "the Panthers could potentially show interest in Carr...if he doesn't sign quickly with one of his primary suitors and he lowers his asking price for a new contract." 

Carolina still has 2022 third-round draft pick Matt Corral on its roster. Corral sat through his rookie season due to a Lisfranc injury. 

Meanwhile, it's assumed the Jets are waiting to learn what Green Bay Packers star Aaron Rodgers plans to do for next season before they commit themselves to Carr or any other option. 

Rodgers could emerge from his four-day "darkness retreat" and decide to remain with the Packers, force a trade to a team such as the Jets, or retire.