QB Derek Carr, Las Vegas Raiders. NFL rumors (Photo by Gaelen Morse/Getty Images)
Derek Carr signed with the New Orleans Saints, which opened up a pandora’s box of NFL rumors as the trade market and free agency really start to heat up.
For Derek Carr, signing with the Saints made the most sense.
He was clearly the second option for the New York Jets — and while he may have enjoyed his time at their team facility and at dinner with the front office — that was merely a wine and dine session. The same occurred with the New Orleans Saints, the team Carr eventually chose, and they’ve been in on him from the start.
The Saints would have traded for Carr if need be. He’s a capable quarterback and a Pro Bowler in his good years. With the right receiving corps and weapons around him, Carr can lead New Orleans to the postseason.
And in that division, it’s obviously possible.
NFL rumors: What will the Saints do next?
New Orleans next moves should be to surround Carr with options. Alvin Kamara and Chris Olave are a good start, but the former could be suspended prior to the start of next season. More must be done.
A good start would be bringing back veteran wide receiver Michael Thomas, who has been oft-injured the last few years but at the very least would provide Carr with a reliable third-down presence on the outside. While some around the Saints thought Thomas might retire, he instead could be interested in a return or even restructuring his contract in favor of the organization he’s spent his entire career with.