Free-agent quarterback Derek Carr. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

One potential snag in the Jets' pursuit of Derek Carr

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated Feb 25, 2023 3:51 PM ET

The New York Jets have not been shy about their desire to upgrade at the quarterback position.

The Jets have been linked to former Las Vegas Raiders QB Derek Carr and Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, but according to former four-time Pro Bowler Boomer Esiason, there’s one potential roadblock for the team.

“I do know that [Carr] is concerned, from the Jets' perspective, that Zach Wilson is here, and what does the future hold for Zach Wilson?” Esiason said on the “Boomer and Gio” podcast. “I do know that the Jets are not doing anything with Zach Wilson, regardless of what the fan base may think. I’m not saying that he is in the running to start next year, but he is going to be here, and he’s going to be a part of the team. …If they sign Derek Carr, that may be the sticking point. I don’t want to put words into (his) mouth, but he certainly wanted to know what the idea in the future was for Zach Wilson.”

Derek Carr's visit with the Jets on Monday went 'really well'

"[The Jets] made it super personal too, they said 'We believe if you come to New York and win, you could be a first ballot Hall of Famer.'" — @diannaESPN pic.twitter.com/eyBpLR8HRB
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) February 21, 2023

The Jets have been adamant that they’re not ready to give up on Wilson, the former No. 2 overall pick. He and Chris Streveler are the only quarterbacks New York has under contract in 2023.

Carr, a three-time Pro Bowler, will be 32 by the time the season starts, and he’s reportedly looking for a contract worth at least $35 million per year. His market value, according to Spotrac, is $37.7 million per year.

The Jets do have competition in the Carr sweepstakes. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that three other teams in addition to New York and New Orleans have contacted Carr since he was released by Vegas on Feb. 14.

Michael Gallagher

Michael Gallagher is a longtime sports journalist based out of Nashville with a decade of experience covering college football, mixed martial arts and prep sports plus the NFL and NHL — specifically the Tennessee Titans and Nashville Predators. He’s covered several notable sporting events including an AFC Championship game, a Stanley Cup Final, an NHL All-Star Game and an NHL Stadium Series. Some of his past bylines can be found at the Nashville Scene, SB Nation, The Hockey News and Fox Sports Knoxville

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