Derek Carr best fits: NFL teams that could sign QB in free agency

Derek Carr might be the first quarterback domino to fall this offseason. His release from the Raiders in mid-February makes him a street free agent, free to sign with any team at any time. The release allows him to get a jump on the market and negotiate/sign with teams before impending free agents such as Jimmy Garoppolo, Daniel Jones and Jacoby Brissett are allowed to do so.

Which is great for Carr, because right now there are lot of teams that need quarterback help. Teams in New York, Indianapolis… heck, the entire NFC South will be scouring free agency, the draft and all other possible options to find a starting quarterback for 2023.

So where should he go? Well, I'm glad you asked. Below is a list of potential destinations, complete with pros and cons and — I PROMISE — in no particular order. In addition to salary-cap realities for each team, we've also offered an idea of what kind of deal Carr might command in the current market:

Jump to a team:Jets | Panthers | TexansSaints | Bucs | Falcons | ColtsCommanders | 49ers | Titans

It is worth noting any team signing Carr at this point would be giving him an entirely new contract. What he was making with the Raiders is irrelevant. What he'll end up getting is anyone's guess, but midrange starting quarterback money starts around $35 million a year right now, and if there are enough teams competing for Carr's services, he might be able to push it higher than $40 million. Of course, it being an all-new contract, Carr's team will be able to structure it in a way (if it so chooses) to keep the first-year cap number low by building in a large signing bonus. In terms of available comps for Carr, «Competent Starting Quarterbacks Released in February With Three Years Left on Their