Top Five Fantasy Landing Spots for Derek Carr
The quarterback position could have some major movement this offseason, with a few huge names possibly changing teams. One of those quarterbacks is Derek Carr, who heads into the offseason on the free-agent market after being released by the Las Vegas Raiders this week. Carr was a disappointment this past season, averaging 14.6 points even with his college BFF, Davante Adams, in the offense.
Carr still has some good statistical years left in him heading into his age-32 season, though, and a change of scenery could do him some good both on the field and in fantasy leagues. He has a quartet of 4,000-yard passing seasons on his resume, and he’s also thrown for an average of 24 touchdowns over the last four years.
Here are five teams that have a need at quarterback and would be interesting spots for Carr to “park” next season. Let’s start things off in the Big Apple.
Derek Carr pass for 3,522 yards in 2022, with 24 TD passes and 14 interceptions.
Kirby Lee/USA Today Sports
New York Jets
The Jets will be looking to add a veteran quarterback during the offseason, and Carr could be a backup plan if the team can’t acquire Aaron Rodgers in a trade. He wouldn’t hurt the fantasy stock of top young offensive players Breece Hall, Garrett Wilson or Elijah Moore, and his tendency to throw to his tight ends could help Tyler Conklin’s value. Carr’s fantasy appeal wouldn’t increase tenfold as a result of this potential move, but he’d certainly be on the QB2 radar late in drafts.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The retirement of Tom Brady leaves a gaping hole in the Buccaneers offense, so the team will be looking to add a new starter or at least a veteran to compete for the starting job. Carr could fit the bill. Tampa Bay still has some valuable fantasy assets in the form of Leonard Fournette, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, and Cade Otton could see an increase in value as well. It would be a nice fit in terms of real and fantasy football. Carr would be worth a late-rounder as a No. 2 quarterback.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts have had a tendency to add veteran quarterbacks since the sudden retirement of Andrew Luck, acquiring Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz and Matt Ryan in the past three seasons. The last two haven’t worked out too well! Regardless, Carr could be the next in line, assuming the team doesn’t select a quarterback in the 2023 NFL draft. Carr, who would have No. 2 quarterback value, would help the value of Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce and Jelani Woods.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints have been looking for a stable, veteran quarterback since Drew Brees retired, and Carr could fill that void. The team has seemingly lost faith in Jameis Winston and Andy Dalton is slated to become a free agent, so adding a new team leader makes sense. Their offense still has plenty of talent in the form of Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave and Michael Thomas (if they don’t release him), and Carr would be playing in one of the weakest divisions in the league.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have a glaring need at quarterback and could add a veteran such as Carr in the offseason. They do have the ninth overall pick in the NFL draft and could go in that direction, but Carr could also become an option if that road leads to a dead end. Carolina doesn’t have a ton of fantasy weapons, but D.J. Moore and Terrace Marshall would both benefit from Carr’s presence under center.
Michael Fabiano is an award-winning fantasy football analyst on Sports Illustrated and a member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association (FSWA) Hall of Fame. Click here to read all his articles here on SI Fantasy. You can follow Michael on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram for your late-breaking fantasy news and the best analysis in the business to help you win a fantasy championship!
