'Front-runner' emerges for Derek Carr as 'framework' for trade is in place

New Orleans is the top trade destination for the QB after the Raiders permitted him to speak with the Saints. According to The Athletic's Vic Tafur and Tashan Reed, the organizations have developed a "framework for a trade."

It may be an attractive option for Carr. He has a prior relationship with Saints head coach Dennis Allen, who was the Raiders HC in 2014 when the organization selected Carr in the NFL Draft.

In New Orleans, Carr's would-be top target, 22-year-old Chris Olave, is a talented wide receiver who made the 2022 PWFA All-Rookie team.

These are selling points for the Saints, but restructuring his contract is a question mark. 

"The Saints have to restructure Carr's contract because of their salary-cap situation," wrote Reed and Tafur. 

According to Spotrac, the Saints are last in cap space ($57.3M over the cap). Additionally, Carr has three years remaining on his deal with $115.3 in cash due, per OverTheCap. 

Consequently, Carr wants to refrain from reworking his contract via ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Also, a no-trade clause gives him more leverage.

If Carr is unwilling to rework his contract and the Raiders find no other partners, they must release him before Feb. 15, or his remaining salary kicks in.

New Orleans is on deck, but a trade is not imminent.