NY Jets are one step closer to signing Derek Carr with official visit scheduled

Free-agent quarterback Derek Carr is set to officially visit with the NY Jets on Saturday, per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. This will be the second team that Carr has visited with after the New Orleans Saints hosted him last week.

Carr is expected to be one of the top quarterbacks on the market this offseason, and the Jets figure to be one of the teams most interested in him. In fact, this isn't the first time the Jets have inquired about Carr's services.

The Jets were one of two teams, along with the Saints, to contact the Las Vegas Raiders about Carr's availability prior to his release earlier this week. They've been interested for quite some time now.

The Jets have made their intentions clear — they are going to add a veteran quarterback this offseason. Carr is the first QB they will officially meet with.

Derek Carr remains a top QB option for the NY Jets

Aaron Rodgers reportedly remains the Jets' preferred quarterback target this offseason, but the uncertainty surrounding the future Hall of Famer's future could push the organization to seriously consider Carr.

Rodgers is in the midst of his so-called darkness retreat and is contemplating his NFL future. He could retire. He could opt to return to Green Bay for another season. If either of those things happens, the Jets won't even be able to pursue their desired QB target.

On top of that, acquiring Rodgers would cost the Jets draft capital. Carr is a free agent and ready to sign at any point without any required draft compensation. That could be very appealing to a Jets team still looking to plug other holes on the roster.

Carr is expected to take his time and assess his options on the open market. That will likely include visits with other teams and potentially waiting to see what Rodgers' ultimate decision is. It could have a direct impact on Carr's value.

It is notable, however, that the Jets are the first team that Carr is visiting with since his release earlier in the week. It shows that not only are the Jets aggressive in their pursuit of Carr, but that Carr is also interested in joining the organization.

Derek Carr is on his way to Florham Park. Let the games begin.