Derek Carr admits he could’ve signed with the Jets before Aaron Rodgers

Derek Carr was courted by the New York Jets as a back up option.

Derek Carr admits he could’ve signed with the Jets before Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers and Derek Carr (via IMAGO)

The New York Jets made Aaron Rodgers their No. 1 priority as soon as the 2023 off-season started. However, they were not sure if the 4-time MVP was willing to continue with his NFL career. Even though they courted him quite a bit, they still had to have a backup plan. A plan that included a certain Derek Carr.

The New Orleans Saints quarterback was a guest on the podcast, Pardon My Take. He was asked about his free agency in which the Jets were also in the running.

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I remember sitting there with [Jets coach Robert Saleh], and he’s like, ‘Look, man, we’d love to have you. It’s up to you.’..Trading for Aaron wasn’t a guarantee for them. I could’ve. It just wasn’t the right time for me. There was still like four or five teams I had to hear from.
Derek Carr said

So essentially, he could have been the quarterback of the New York Jets. Even though Aaron Rodgers was in the mix of things. But trading for Rodgers was not easy. It took them quite some time and therefore, they courted Derek Carr. The 4-time Pro Bowler revealed that he was a fan of Jets head coach Robert Saleh, which could have tilted his decision to sign with them.

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However, he did not want to make a quick decision with 4 to 5 teams still to discuss with him. Being a free agent, he had the luxury to pick and choose which teams he would go to. At the end of the day, he signed with the Saints and a month later the Jets traded for Rodgers.

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Derek Carr and the Saints have a lot to prove

Prior to last season, the New Orleans Saints decided to hand Derek Carr the keys to the starting quarterback position. Since then, they had a marginal improvement from their previous season’s record. He did have a decent season, but not something that could justify his four-year, $150 million contract. He did not even reach the 4000-yard mark.

New Orleans Saints and Derek Carr have to improve and reach the playoffs this season
New Orleans Saints and Derek Carr have to improve and reach the playoffs this season (image via Imago)

Some of that blame could be placed on the offensive coaches. But this upcoming season, those excuses will not be entertained by fans of the game. After all, the players have spent a season together. That must have helped improve the chemistry compared to last season. Paving the way for new entrants to ease in and contribute.

The Saints were playoff regulars. The reason they signed Carr was so that they could return to that level. Going into this season, they will have to push for a playoff berth. Else it might necessitate the need for sweeping changes.

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