Derek Carr's free-agency pursuit could be 'long process'

Derek Carr has had a head start on all of the other free-agent quarterbacks, but that may not result in him making a quick decision. 

Carr's brother and former NFL quarterback David Carr told NFL Network's Total Access on Monday evening that he expects Derek to take his time in finding his next team. 

 "It's gonna be a long process," the elder Carr said. "He wants to do his due diligence and see as many places as he can to get a feel for what the best place for him will be." 

So far Carr has already made two visits, speaking in person with the New Orleans Saints and then this weekend visiting the New York Jets. He visited the Saints while he was still technically under contract with the Las Vegas Raiders as they attempted to work out a trade. But Carr informed the Raiders he would not be accepting a trade to the Saints or any other team and instead wanted to test his true value on the free agent market.

The Raiders released him a week ago, prompting his visit with the Jets.

Even though he is coming off of a down year that resulted in him getting benched toward the end of the season for Jarrett Stidham, Carr has a track record of being a top-10 quarterback in the NFL and would be an automatic upgrade for a lot of teams in need of a veteran starter. 

The Saints and Jets are obviously two teams at the top of that list. The Washington Commanders, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers, and perhaps even the Atlanta Falcons could be in that mix as well.

It is understandable that Carr wants to be patient, but he also probably wants to get something done before the official start of free agency. Right now, he is the only guy teams can sign, and he might have his best leverage right now. 

Once players like Lamar Jackson (assuming he does not get the exclusive franchise tag), Geno Smith, or Jimmy Garoppolo hit the open market teams are going to have more options to pick from. 

The Jets would seem to be an ideal fit for Carr because given the state of their defense (already one of the best in the NFL) he might be able to elevate a talented young offense to a playoff spot in the AFC. The Jets are also in the Aaron Rodgers sweepstakes, but not only is Rodgers older and closer to the end of his career, he would also cost a significant amount of trade assets to acquire.

By signing Carr, the Jets could dramatically upgrade at quarterback and still have their full allotment of draft pick capital to build from.