Jets' Justin Fields decision looks even better after latest Derek Carr news

The NY Jets had two separate opportunities to pursue former Las Vegas Raiders and New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr, as they could have signed him before the Aaron Rodgers trade and could have pursued a swap after Rodgers was being cut loose. It's a good thing they didn't choose to do that.

The Saints quarterback was projected to miss almost all of the 2025 season after suffering a shoulder injury. Rather than go through the grind of a rehab process, Carr decided that he had enough of playing in the NFL.

Carr officially called it quits after an 11-year career, forcing the Saints to go into Kellen Moore's debut season as coach with a Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler-led quarterback room. Fields might not be a world-beater, but he helped the Jets avoid a nightmare scenario.

Imagine if the Jets had Carr as their answer to Rodgers, only to see him retire and leave both Tyrod Taylor and UDFA Brady Cook as the top two quarterbacks on the roster. Fields saved the Jets from what could have been a nightmare scenario.

Jets vindicated in decision to pursue Justin Fields over Derek Carr after retirement

Carr finished his 11-year career with more passing yards and touchdowns than any Raiders quarterback in history. Carr threw for 41,245 yards and 257 touchdowns while making four Pro Bowls, though he never won a playoff game. Very rarely was Carr given a solid defense or stable organization.

In his final season, Carr threw for 15 touchdowns against just five interceptions while setting a new career-best 101.0 passer rating. Considering his history with college teammate Davante Adams, the Jets may have been able to keep No. 17 around for one more season.

Instead, the Jets chose to bet on potential with Fields, who is coming into an offense that is being built as a run-heavy unit that maximizes his skills. This group has some upside that Carr might not have brought, further vindicating the decision to sign the former first-rounder.

It's a shame that such a productive career had to be brought to an end like this, but the Jets made the right decision trying to avoid getting involved with Carr. Fans need to hope that Fields has the spice they need to improve upon what Carr provided in his final Saints season.