If you’re an Indianapolis Colts fan, do you want your team to land Derek Carr this offseason? Surely, you’d say “no way” and be upset about such a question.
In a recent article, Cody Benjamin of cbssports.com predicted the landing spots of free agents, trade targets, and cut candidates. Benjamin has the Colts signing Carr to a one-year deal worth $15 million.
“After playing through multiple injuries in 2023, the former Raiders veteran succumbed to them in Year 2 with New Orleans, appearing in just 10 contests as the Saints made a long-awaited coaching shift. Going on 34, with a long but inconsistent resume, his release would save the team up to $30 million.
Projection: Signs with Colts on one-year, $15 million deal”
Carr is not set to be a free agent. But as Benjamin noted, the New Orleans Saints would save roughly $30 million if they released the veteran quarterback.
If Carr is indeed cut this offseason, there should be several teams interested in signing him. But it would be in the Colts’ best interest to say “no thanks.” While the team needs help at quarterback, adding another player who’s struggling with injuries, isn’t the smartest decision.
The Indianapolis Colts Should Not Pursue Derek Carr This Offseason
He Has Had a Solid Career
The Oakland (now Las Vegas) Raiders selected Derek Carr in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He would become the franchise’s first-ever rookie quarterback to start a season opener. The Fresno State product 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 in 2002.
Carr led the Raiders to the playoffs during his third season. It was their first playoff berth in 14 years. However, an injury forced Carr to miss the postseason that year. He later led the team to the playoffs again in 2021. Yet, they suffered a Wild Card loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.
In 2003, Carr 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. He has thrown for 6,023 and 40 touchdowns during his tenure in New Orleans.
Why the Colts Shouldn’t Sign Carr
Would the Colts sign Derek Carr? Well, it depends on who the general manager is. Indy’s current GM, Chris Ballard could be fired following this season. But if he keeps his job, he could very well pursue Carr.
Ballard loves acquiring quarterbacks who are in their 30s. Over the years, he has landed guys like Philip Rivers (38 years old at the time) and Matt Ryan (36). That means it wouldn’t be surprising if he went after the 33-year-old Carr.
No, Ballard, or whoever is running the show for the Colts, should not sign Carr. While the four-time Pro Bowler has been good in the past, he has missed six games due to injury this season. The Colts’ starting quarterback, Anthony Richardson has missed several games because of injuries. Why add another quarterback who isn’t healthy?
Plus, Carr has been a starter his entire career. Signing him could affect Richardson mentally as he competes for the starting job next season. That wouldn’t be a good idea. And it just wouldn’t be a good idea to bring Derek Carr on board.
Main Photo: Stephen Lew – USA Today Sports
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