Several NFL teams were interested in signing Derek Carr this offseason after the Las Vegas Raiders released him, but he ultimately decided to join the New Orleans Saints.
During an appearance on his son’s podcast, Harvester Sports, Carr’s brother David shed some light on the veteran quarterback’s decision to move to New Orleans on Wednesday (h/t NOLA.com’s Terrin Waack):
“The team knew exactly what they wanted to do, like from the jump: We’re going to target Derek, we’re going to go after him and we’re going to get him. And they did, right? That means a lot as a veteran guy, to be wanted. You just came out of a situation where your team didn’t want you anymore. What’s the No. 1 thing you want? Well, you want to be wanted first of all. As as quarterback, I want someone that’s going to say, ‘You’re our guy. Come lead our team.’ Because you have to empower your quarterback that way.
Earlier last week, Carr signed a four-year, $150 million contract with the Saints after the Raiders released him with two games remaining in the 2022 season. There are total guarantees of $100 million in the contract.
Carr received interest from the New York Jets and the Carolina Panthers this offseason. The Jets and the Panthers need a new franchise quarterback after Sam Darnold’s two poor seasons.
The Jets have been linked to Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers, while the Panthers may draft a new quarterback in the first round in 2023. In the end, it seemed like Carr or nothing for the Saints.
Carr’s brother said the Jets made it “difficult” for the four-time Pro Bowler to choose, but given that Saints head coach Dennis Allen drafted Carr to the Raiders in 2014, it’s not surprising that Carr ended up in New Orleans.
Carr’s brother also mentioned the veteran’s friendships with Saints players Tyrann Mathieu and Michael Thomas, which could have swayed Carr’s decision to join the team.
Carr and the Saints might win the NFC South in 2023 if the Panthers and Falcons both have problems at quarterback and if Tom Brady retires from playing for the Buccaneers.
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