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

The NY Jets are expected to be one of the teams interested in signing Derek Carr now that the four-time Pro Bowler has officially been released by the Las Vegas Raiders. They won't be alone, however.

A number of other teams are also expected to inquire about Carr in what is expected to be an active QB market. That presents the Jets with challenges, especially if Carr is not their preferred option.

Right now, it still seems as though the Jets are eyeing Aaron Rodgers, but his uncertain future could alter plans. If that happens, Carr makes sense as their next-best target.

Which teams should the Jets be looking out for in their potential pursuit of Carr? We take a look at five NFL teams, aside from the Jets, who could sign the longtime Raiders quarterback.

5. The Houston Texans could sign Derek Carr

In a weird twist of irony, perhaps Carr could go to the same organization that once drafted his brother, David, first overall. The Houston Texans remain dark-horse contenders to sign Carr this offseason.

Most assume that the Texans will look to add a quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft, but the fact that they pick second overall instead of first could change those plans. If they don't see the value, it might make sense to go a different route.

Signing Carr to be their, at least, short-term solution at quarterback makes some sense, and it would allow them to use their draft capital to plug other holes on the roster. The biggest obstacle would likely be convincing Carr to sign.

If Carr has his pick of a number of different destinations, why would he choose a Texans team that has been stuck in the NFL's basement for a few years now? They might have interest, but they're probably not serious contenders at this time.

4. The Indianapolis Colts could sign Derek Carr

The Texans aren't the only AFC South team that will likely be interested in Carr. The Indianapolis Colts have gone the veteran route numerous times recently, which has led many to believe that this is the year they might finally draft a QB early.

But if they're looking for another short-term fix, Carr makes a ton of sense. The Colts have the fourth overall pick in this year's draft, and the rumor mill suggests that Indianapolis is strongly considering trading up for a quarterback.

Signing Carr, however, would solve their quarterback issue and help them save draft capital. He'd also present a significant upgrade over their previous short-term veteran fixes (Carson Wentz, Matt Ryan).

Colts owner Jim Irsay is going to find his team a new quarterback this offseason. That quarterback might just be Derek Carr.

3. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could sign Derek Carr

Believe it or not, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are currently the betting favorites to sign Carr this offseason, per Bookies.com. Despite persistent rumors regarding the other two teams on this list, the Bucs stand alone at the top as the current betting favorites.

Tom Brady's retirement left the Bucs in an interesting position as far as their future is concerned. They don't have a clear quarterback plan for the future, they don't possess a high draft pick, and their roster is sort've in limbo.

How far does Carr take them? That much remains unclear. But what is clear is that the Bucs will likely be interested in the former Fresno State standout.

Tampa Bay is still searching for their next offensive coordinator. If they hire someone like Greg Olson away from the Los Angeles Rans, it might be a direct indication that they're targeting Carr.

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.