Derek Carr 'does like New York' amid Jets trade rumors, claims top NFL analyst

Derek Carr is one of the most intriguing options at quarterback this offseason. He was released by the Las Vegas Raiders on February 14, a day before he was due a $40.4 million roster bonus.

Carr has drawn interest from many teams. He's had visits with the New York Jets and New Orleans Saints. While the Jets are very interested in Carr, they await Aaron Rodgers' decision before pulling the trigger on making Carr their next QB.

ESPN insider Diani Russini joined ESPN's Get Up and spoke about the situation. She thinks the Jets have a very good situation for any QB to enter into. Russini said:

"So you take a look at this Jets roster. You look at these young skill players, you look at their run game. I mean, you're talking rookie of the year offensive defensive players, right?

"They have a lot to offer a quarterback if they want to come to New York right? There's it's really an endless amount of accomplishments that a quarterback can have and make if they come here and play with the Jets.

"But here's the thing. Derek Carr's the one that's got to make the decision on where he wants to play because he does have options and you have to figure from his perspective, he doesn't really need to press right now."

Russini added that Carr will explore all his options, but he is in fact intrigued by New York:

"He doesn't need to be the first quarterback to sign because the kind of contract he's looking for, right guys, you have to figure 35 plus mil a year he's looking for in terms of a deal, which is really fair for a veteran like like Derek Carr. Right. So he's going to take a look at all his options before he makes a decision. But I can tell you he does like New York."

Dianna Russini says the Jets view Derek Carr as a Hall-of-Famer

Derek Carr during 2023 NFL Pro Bowl Games

The New York Jets could well enter the 2023 season with Derek Carr as their starting quarterback. The interest is mutual, and once Rodgers decides what he's going to do, the team could be more aggressive in making Carr their next franchise quarterback.

A few days ago, Russini stated that the Jets think very highly of Carr and view him as a potential Hall-of-Famer:

"I heard it went really well from both sides... They were pretty clear with him. They told him he was a great quarterback. They believe he's got a legit surrounding cast of players. They went through the top young [defense], the strong, young skill guys, the explosive run game...

"[The Jets] made it super personal too. They said, 'We believe if you come to New York and win, you could be a first ballot Hall of Famer.'"

Carr is a four-time Pro Bowler who has led the Raiders to two playoff appearances. He has been their starter for nearly a decade and still has a lot of football left in him.

Carr would be an upgrade from Zach Wilson and any other quarterback the Jets used last season. Whether they will acquire hs signature is a separate matter.