Getty Image / Stacy Revere
The race to sign Derek Carr is heating up after it was reported the Las Vegas Raiders will be releasing him on February 14.
He’s already visited with the New Orleans Saints, who have been expressing interest in the veteran quarterback.
However, it sounds like Carr is in no rush to sign a contract and will weigh his options, per Ian Rapoport. Even so, the Saints remain in the mix.
Expect #Raiders QB Derek Carr to receive significant interest when his release is official at 4 pm today, but the veteran won’t be in a rush to sign. He’s already visited the #Saints – who are still in the mix – and don’t be surprised if more visits follow before a decision.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 14, 2023
Plenty of teams across the league would benefit from having Derek Carr on their roster. With that in mind, New Orleans may have revealed their backup plan in case they miss on Carr.
According to Albert Breer, the Saints are keeping close tabs on Baker Mayfield with the free agency period nearing.
#Saints are a team to watch as a destination for #Rams free agent QB Baker Mayfield, according to @AlbertBreer https://t.co/9vCNX7p1XB pic.twitter.com/k4WcdAzGIM
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 14, 2023
Ideally, the Saints would have a top pick in the draft and select a young quarterback to build around. But the Philadelphia Eagles own the rights to that draft pick.
For that reason, New Orleans is very clearly in the market to upgrade the quarterback position by signing a veteran.
So, that very well could be Derek Carr. But Baker Mayfield might just be the Saints’ backup plan.