5 teams that could steal Derek Carr away from the NY Jets

2. The Carolina Panthers could sign Derek Carr

No division is connected to Derek Carr rumors more than the NFC South, and while the Carolina Panthers might not be the favorites to sign Carr, they figure to be in the mix for sure.

The Panthers are in a somewhat similar situation to the Jets with a young, talented roster that could feasibly compete now in a very weak division. If they sign Carr, they're very likely the favorites to win the NFC South.

It all depends on the direction that general manager Scott Fitterer wants to take. Does he want to turn to the draft in search of the team's long-term answer, or is he happy signing Carr and competing immediately in a lackluster conference?

If Fitterer opts for the latter, the Panthers are serious contenders to sign Carr.

1. The New Orleans Saints could sign Derek Carr

Despite what betting odds might indicate, the New Orleans Saints appear to be the odds-on favorites to sign Carr. The Saints are the only team that organized an official visit with Carr prior to his release — a strong indication that they're serious about adding him.

For the Saints, this would mean yet another year of pushing back a rebuild. But again, much like the Panthers, Carr could make them favorites in a very weak NFC South.

The Saints make sense as a destination for Carr as he could reunite with his former head coach, Dennis Allen. That said, their time together in Oakland was short-lived.

Carr could go to New Orleans and immediately compete for a playoff spot with a (mostly) stable organization. There appears to be mutual interest here. The Saints are the Jets' biggest competitors to sign Carr.