The Indianapolis Colts need to add competition for quarterback Anthony Richardson. Why not Derek Carr? Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports predicts the four-time Pro Bowler will land with the Colts this offseason:
“Carr is technically under contract with the New Orleans Saints, but the team can save tens of millions by saying goodbye, then pursuing a younger alternative (like, say, Alabama’s Jalen Milroe) in the draft. Indianapolis, meanwhile, needs proven competition for the athletic but erratic Anthony Richardson.”
As Benjamin mentioned, Derek Carr is still under contract with the New Orleans Saints. Yet, he will become a free agent if the team cuts him this spring. If New Orleans makes such a move, should the Colts pursue him?
The Indianapolis Colts Could Sign Quarterback Derek Carr This Offseason
His Career with the Raiders and Saints
The Oakland (now Las Vegas) Raiders drafted Derek Carr in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He would become the franchise’s first-ever rookie quarterback to start a regular-season opener. Carr finished his rookie year with 3,270 passing yards, 21 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He also became the first Raiders quarterback to start all 16 games since Rich Gannon did so during the 2002 campaign.
Derek Carr led the Raiders to the playoffs during his third season. It was the team’s first playoff berth in 14 years. However, an injury forced him to miss the postseason that year. Carr later led the Raiders to the playoffs again in 2021. Yet, they lost to the Cincinnati Bengals in the Wild Card Round.
Carr left the Raiders in 2022 and signed a four-year, $150 million deal with the Saints. He left the Raiders as the franchise’s career leader in several categories including passing yards and touchdowns. During his two seasons in New Orleans, Carr has thrown for 6,023 and 40 touchdowns in 27 contests.
Should the Colts Should Sign Him?
Colts general manager Chris Ballard held his annual year-end press conference in January. He hinted that the team will bring in competition for Anthony Richardson this offseason. The Colts could take someone like Jaxson Dart or Will Howard in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, they could also go the free agent route and sign someone like Jacoby Brissett, Jameis Winston or Mac Jones.
But what about Derek Carr if he becomes available? He could battle Richardson in training camp for the starting quarterback job. If he doesn’t win the job, he could be a solid backup and fill in if Richardson goes down with an injury.
Richardson, who the Colts drafted fourth overall in 2023, hasn’t had a magnificent start to his pro career. He has battled injuries, had a “tap out because he was too tired” incident and was benched temporarily this past season.
When he was on the field, Richardson often showcased his ability to make exciting plays with his legs. Yet, he has struggled mightily as a passer, completing just 47.7 percent of passes in 2024.
Richardson possesses the potential to be a star. He needs someone to push him to be better. Adding a four-time Pro Bowler like Derek Carr could be the guy to give him that much-needed push.
Main Photo Courtesy of Brad Penner – Imagn Images
The post Colts Could Sign Four-Time Pro Bowl Quarterback appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.