NY Jets news: Jets called about Derek Carr trade, Todd Downing backlash

The Las Vegas Raiders will release quarterback Derek Carr today, ending his nine-year tenure with the organization. But before Carr was released, the NY Jets reportedly inquired about a potential trade.

It's well known that the New Orleans Saints were interested in trading for Carr as the four-time Pro Bowler even visited with the team after the framework for a trade was agreed to, but the Jets were also involved.

Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer reported on Monday that the Jets were the only other team to inquire with the Raiders about Carr. That certainly suggests the team will be interested in signing him once he's officially released.

While many of the headlines regarding the Jets' QB search have centered around Aaron Rodgers in recent weeks, Carr remains a possibility too. That's especially true given who they hired on Monday.

Other NY Jets news

Jets receive backlash for the Todd Downing hire

The coach they hired on Monday is former Oakland Raiders and Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Todd Downing. Downing found plenty of success working with Carr, although his stint in Tennessee wasn't nearly as fruitful.

The Titans' offense struggled mightily under Downing's watch, prompting fans to rally around his eventual firing. There were signs at home games, chants from the crowd, and cries throughout the media.

Perhaps that's why there has been such strong backlash to the Jets' hiring of Downing to be their new passing game coordinator. Below is a quick look at just some of the criticism.

To make matters worse, Downing was arrested for a DUI in November and served jail time just last month. It's fair to be a little skeptical of this hire.

Jets officially claim Isaiah Mack off waivers

The Jets claimed defensive tackle Isaiah Mack off waivers from the Seattle Seahawks just under a month ago, but the move didn't become official until Monday, following the Super Bowl.

Mack was signed by the Titans as an undrafted free agent out of Chattanooga back in 2019. He's made appearances for the New England Patriots and, most recently, the Baltimore Ravens as well.

Mack was a perpetual summer standout in Baltimore, but he never managed to crack through into a regular rotational role. The Jets needed to add some defensive tackle depth this offseason, and Mack could compete for a roster spot in the preseason.

Given the track record of previous Joe Douglas waiver claims (John Franklin-Myers, Braxton Berrios, Quincy Williams, Nate Herbig, Ty Johnson, etc.), there's every chance that Mack manages to stick around.