Derek Carr is an adequate quarterback. No, scratch that. Quarterback standards are too high. He is, objectively, a good quarterback. But as the former Las Vegas Raider weighs his options as an unrestricted free agent, one team appears to think too highly of his abilities. (After recent events, Carr perhaps doesn’t seem to feel the same way.)
You shouldn’t be surprised to learn that it’s the New York Jets.
The 31-year-old Carr pieced together a fine career with the Raiders, qualifying for four Pro Bowls (2015-2017, 2022) while throwing 217 touchdowns to 99 interceptions — a solid 2-to-1 ratio. That is certainly better than most players who have ever thrown an NFL pass and is part of the reason a squad like the Jets might bring Carr aboard to help maximize a talented core.
But per a report from ESPN’s Dianna Russini, the Jets apparently think Carr can be a Hall of Famer if he plays with them. No, wait. Scratch that again. As if an absurd Hall of Fame assertion about Carr isn’t enough, they think he can be a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
(Never mind that they’re likely waiting to see what happens with Aaron Rodgers first and are probably just paying Carr lip service.)
The #Jets believe that if Derek Carr comes to New York he could be a "first ballot Hall of Famer", according to @diannaESPN pic.twitter.com/UwV0Au87PW
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 22, 2023
Whoa, come on. Let’s pump the brakes.
I will go as far as to say that Carr is a better starting quarterback than maybe two-thirds of the current league. Give him Garrett Wilson, Elijah Moore, Breece Hall and an elite defense, and he might be able to thrive.
But to play like a first-ballot Hall of Famer? Really?
This man just finished a campaign with Davante Adams, Josh Jacobs, Hunter Renfrow and Darren Waller. It didn’t go well. I know that whole “Josh McDaniels” factor might have played a role in relatively disappointing play for Carr, but it’s not as if he’s ever shown the ability he’s a bona fide superstar before.
Why would that change now? Because the Jets have a quality supporting cast? What makes them so special? Please. Carr’s faults have usually shined through regardless of the sum of his parts.
In nine pro seasons, Carr has thrown for at least 30 touchdowns once. His career yards per attempt is 7.1. His passer rating is a respectable 91.8. I know the Raiders’ judgment isn’t to be trusted necessarily, but if they thought Carr was a first-ballot Hall of Famer, I find it hard to believe they would have released him at age 31 (that is young for a good QB by today’s standards).
A first-ballot Hall of Fame quarterback is someone whose career helps tell the story of the NFL. They were either one of the most talented ever to play, a key cog on a championship team or both.
Carr is a good quarterback. Neither of those descriptions applies to him.
Rein it in, Jets.
This was how Twitter reacted to the Jets' apparent belief in Carr's Hall of Fame potential in New York
Again, that’s why they are the Jets https://t.co/XeC0HUk6QY
— Alex Mueller (@AlexMueller23) February 22, 2023
This is DEREK CARR they’re talking about…they know that right???? https://t.co/TnMpKyBLD2
— Andrew 🐅🏀 (@SixersAndrew) February 22, 2023
chuckle all you want but going 12-5 in a Jets uniform would be the most impressive accomplishment in NFL history https://t.co/a6w8zotj0d
— Paxton Ritchey (@paxtonritchey_) February 22, 2023
No way does this statement come back to haunt anyone in the future https://t.co/lYvh9IBU5j
— Social Media Influencer (@jasoncvincent) February 22, 2023
If they truly indeed say this and i wouldn’t think that’s something that that reporter would just make up, then sign him. Don’t fluff the man up and then say “ but we gotta wait for Rodgers first” 😂😂 https://t.co/5rU8AVUNKf
— A-Ram (@Aram822) February 22, 2023
I want somebody to lie to me like the Jets lying to Derek Carr. Has to feel good 😂 https://t.co/b3brKTfpck
— Ty-Dweller (@iTJD) February 22, 2023
My #Jets are officially a meme. And not like the harmless butt fumble kind of memes either. https://t.co/htihagnxiZ
— Same Old Jets (@chrisdouglas73) February 22, 2023
Well the good thing is they are keeping expectations reasonable https://t.co/PSQn709zkP
— Tim Baysinger (@tim_bays) February 22, 2023
He would have to win multiple Super Bowls, MVPs, and Super Bowl MVPs. All from age 31 and up. Good luck lol https://t.co/80nTBDoiVU
— The SEC Machine (@SECbias12) February 22, 2023
