The first quarterback domino of free agency is expected to fall, as multiple reports suggest that the New Orleans Saints are closing in on a deal with veteran Derek Carr. The news comes after a report from ESPN surfaced Sunday that Carr was slightly leaning towards signing with the New York Jets.
That Jets news came even though New Orleans was considered the favorite through the entire process, according to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport. But now, that favorite appears back on top. NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero reported Monday that New Orleans was always the preferred destination for Carr. And ESPN’s Adam Schefter called the Saints the “front runners,” and said a deal could be done later Monday:
Saints have emerged as the front runners to sign former Raiders’ QB Derek Carr and an agreement could be reached as early as today, per league sources. pic.twitter.com/f02UQ3m1pL
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 6, 2023
If this move comes to pass, Carr will reunite with Dennis Allen. Now the head coach of the Saints, Allen was the head man in Oakland when the Raiders drafted Carr in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Eight years later, the pair look set for a reunion in the NFC South.
Even when he was still technically a member of the Las Vegas Raiders, the Saints were the first team that Carr visited with. While the two teams agreed upon compensation, which allowed Carr to meet with New Orleans in the first place, he opted to become a free agent. After visiting with New Orleans and the Jets, and then meeting with both teams and the Carolina Panthers in Indianapolis at the NFL Scouting Combine last week, Carr appears to have made his decision.
The Saints were reportedly ready to sign Carr over the weekend and have moved even closer to making the four-time Pro-Bowler their starting quarterback for 2023 and beyond.
[Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero on Twitter]
