NFL odds: Lines on Derek Carr's next team, including Colts, Jets, Panthers
The Derek Carr era that bridged the Raiders' move from Oakland to Las Vegas is over. Derek Carr was officially cut by the Raiders on Tuesday.
Let's take a look at the situation from a betting perspective.
The Raiders entered the season as a trendy pick to return to the postseason in 2022 for the second straight year, especially after they acquired Carr's college teammate Davante Adams from the Green Bay Packers. But Las Vegas limped out to a 1-4 record before finishing 6-11 under first-year head coach Josh McDaniels.
Carr left the team after getting benched with two games left in the season. Now that he has been cut, the Raiders will be looking for a new quarterback after nine years with the former second-round pick out of Fresno State as their primary starter.
What does the failed season mean for the quarterback's future?
Carr will likely have plenty of suitors as quarterback-needy teams will likely give the 31-year-old battle-tested veteran a look.
So what are some potential landing spots for him? Let's take a look at the latest hypothetical odds for Carr's next team, courtesy of FOX Bet.
ODDS ON DEREK CARR'S NEXT TEAM*
Panthers: +250 (bet $10 to win $35 total)
Buccaneers: +300 (bet $10 to win $40 total)
Saints: +450 (bet $10 to win $55 total)
Jets: +800 (bet $10 to win $90 total)
Colts: +900 (bet $10 to win $100 total)
*Odds as of 2/14/2023
The Panthers are the current favorites to land the veteran quarterback, and since Carolina has made key coaching changes, the franchise might be well-suited for Carr. The Panthers hired Frank Reich as the head coach, and they brought in Josh McCown as the quarterbacks coach. Both have had success on the offensive side of the ball in the past. Could Carr land in Carolina and get a second wind under this new regime?
On the opposite end of the odds spectrum are the Colts, who come in with the longest odds at +900. Indy has made a habit of trying to rehabilitate veteran quarterbacks in recent years, with varying levels of success. The Colts made the playoffs in 2020 with Philip Rivers in what turned out to be his final season but struggled in more recent years with Carson Wentz and Matt Ryan under center.
It is also worth noting that head coach Frank Reich, an offensive-minded coach who those quarterback rehabilitations were attempted under, was fired earlier this season. The Colts may want to pair their new head coach Shane Steichen with a younger quarterback, such as top NFL draft prospects Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud or Will Levis. But if Indianapolis goes back to a veteran quarterback, Carr seems like a natural candidate.
However, the Jets (+800) may be an even better fit for Carr, especially if they move on from former No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson, according to FOX Bet trading associate Matthew Griffe.
"The dream scenario for Derek Carr is ending up in New York with the Jets with all the young weapons they have," Griffe said.
It could be the perfect fit for the Jets as well. Though Gang Green missed the playoffs in 2022, they have a promising young core thanks to players like running back Breece Hall, wide receiver Garrett Wilson, offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker and cornerback Sauce Gardner. If the Jets do decide to part ways with Zach Wilson, Carr could be a natural stopgap quarterback who could try to lead this young roster to its first taste of playoff football.
Two other NFC South teams on the list are the Buccaneers and Saints. Tampa Bay may have an interest in Carr now that Tom Brady has retired. And New Orleans head coach Dennis Allen could benefit from having a veteran like Carr under center as the Saints attempt to march back to relevance.
The Saints are reportedly interested in Carr, and Cam Jordan is already doing some recruiting.
Stay tuned to FOX Sports for the latest updates on how Carr's NFL future unfolds.
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