NFL analyst: Derek Carr is 'concerned' about the Jets

Derek Carr. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

NFL analyst shares why Derek Carr is 'concerned' about the Jets

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 2/23/23

Former NFL quarterback and current "The NFL Today" analyst Boomer Esiason offered an interesting update regarding a possible relationship between the New York Jets and free agent Derek Carr.

As shared by Adam London of NESN, Esiason reported during his WFAN morning show that "I do know...(Carr) is concerned from the Jets' perspective that Zach Wilson is here."

The Jets drafted Wilson second overall in 2021 but benched him on multiple occasions this past season. Despite his struggles, it's widely believed New York would want an incoming veteran to help the 23-year-old get on track.

"I do know that the Jets are not doing anything with Zach Wilson, regardless of what the fan base may think," Esiason continued. "I’m not saying he’s in the running to start next year, but he is going to be here. He’s going to be part of the team, that I know. They’re not giving up on him just yet. That may be the sticking point. I’m not sure, but it could be a sticking point for Derek Carr."

Esiason featured for the Jets back in the 1990s and has been all over the club's pursuit of a proven quarterback this winter.

This week, Esiason said on the air that he learned after speaking with multiple people around the NFL that Green Bay Packers star Aaron Rodgers is "basically driving the bus" as it pertains to what he wants to do for the 2023 season and could easily force a trade from the Packers to the Jets if he wants.

Additionally, Ryan Chichester of Audacy noted that Esiason said he "would think" Carr will make a decision about which team he'll join "by the end of next week" and before pending free agents can officially begin negotiating with other clubs.

Rodgers, meanwhile, has not publicly addressed his future coming off a four-day "darkness retreat."

"If Aaron Rodgers really does want to play…and really wants to play with (former Packers and current New York offensive coordinator) Nathaniel Hackett, then I think he’s gotta make a decision relatively quick, because he can’t leave the Jets hanging," Esiason continued.

It's been suggested that Rodgers is the Jets' preferred choice over Carr, in part because the four-time NFL Most Valuable Player allegedly enjoys a good relationship with Wilson.

While Rodgers turns 40 years old this coming December, Carr isn't yet 32, and, thus, understandably may not be all that interested in mentoring Wilson or any other young quarterback at this stage of his career.

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