Derek Carr came into the league as a second round pick with the Oakland Raiders, at the time, and took them to the playoffs in his third season before missing the game with a broken leg. Carr also finished third in the MVP voting that season. With a couple years of high quality football left, what win now teams should be targeting Carr?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
With the greatest quarterback of all time leaving the Buccaneers they still have a loaded roster that can’t possibly be as injured as they were last year. However, they aren’t getting any younger and Blaine Gabbert doesn’t seem like the guy to lead them back to the promised land.
Carr has also been a very good deep ball thrower and with Mike Evans setting the record for most consecutive seasons to start a career with a 1,000 yards that duo could spell trouble for opposing defenses.
The Buccaneers defense didn’t play well last year but wasn’t awful and isn’t getting any younger, so they must be looking to win now at all cost. Not as much cap room as other teams they may need to get creative to pull this move off.
New Orleans Saints
Staying in the NFC South lets take a look at how Derek Carr can help the Saints bounce back after a season of Andy Dalton at quarterback. The Saints have great weapons and a solid offensive line that could make Carr’s life a hell of a lot easier than it was in Las Vegas.
Saints also are a team that isn’t getting any younger even with Chris Olave establishing himself as one of the game’s next and coming wide receivers. Alvin Kamara can play a similar role that Josh Jacobs played for Carr last year making him feel more comfortable knowing he doesn’t have to do it all.
Lastly, The Saints have quietly been one of the most consistent defenses over the last five years. A far cry from the early 2010s Saints who only seemed to be a defense away, they now seem to only be a quarterback away.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts have had five different starting quarterbacks at the start of the season for the last five years. With a dominated running game and solid offensive line, consistent quarterback play would definitely make them a contender in the AFC South.
General Manager Chris Ballard started his time in Indianapolis with a tremendous draft class and creative free agency signings to turn them around even after the surprise retirement of Andrew Luck.
However, after some head stretching decisions and consistent playoff misses he will need to make a splash this season to return faith in the fanbase. Derek Carr could carve his way into fans hearts as long as he doesn’t fall off like the last three free agent signings the Colts have had.
