Derek Carr world tour thread (updated with combine visits)
The others have more money and the Jets have a pretty good D. All we have is Carr's relationship with Allen.
I think our chances of going to the playoffs in the weak NFCS might be a factor also. I have to assume that the money will be somewhat similar across the board, so money issues will get resolved. At that point, it's about "other factors."
Let's not forget that the Raiders have been to the playoffs ONCE during DC4's tenure at QB. And he didn't even get to play in that game because he broke his leg less than a month before the season ended. If I was DC4, 9 years into my career and likely with less years in front of me than behind me, I'd want to play in a playoff game in the WORST possible way. I'd pick a team that I feel best provides that playoff opportunity.
I see the Jets in the AFC East as being in a similar division as the AFC West. Always looking up at another team that's better. For years it was the Patriots. Now it's the Bills, with no end in sight as long as Josh Allen is QB. And the Dolphins might be forcing their way into consideration as the 2nd best team in that division. All of a sudden, the Jets situation looks a lot like his previous 9 years in the AFC West....hoping for a WC berth.
The NFC South is a mess, and RIPE for the taking. The Bucs, Panthers, & Saints are all fairly equal in terms of strong defenses, supporting rosters, and ability to challenge for the division title. Take the division....a WEAK division...and you're IN that elusive playoff game! Of the 3 teams mentioned, I see the Bucs and Saints as having better offensive personnel than the Panthers...so edge to Bucs & Saints. Of those 2 teams, I see the Saints as having the better defense. Edge Saints. Add in the personal relationship that DC4 has with DA and I think the grains of sand tip the scales in the Saints favor.
Of course, this is all predicated on DC4's thought processes and criteria closely resembling my suppositions outlined above. Maybe he sees the fewer years ahead than behind, and has decided that it's time to focus on maximizing financial security, with the biggest payday as his primary criteria. If that's the case, the Saints are probably the 1st team eliminated from consideration. OTOH, if that is his criteria, I don't want him.
But I get that "chip on his shoulder" vibe from DC4 that I got from DB9. Both were unceremoniously "dumped" by the teams they poured their heart & soul into. Both have done what was asked of them, while chomping at the bit to do more. Both were capable of more, if allowed to do more. Both are reputed to be devout Christians who aspire to higher purposes. And I suspect both are driven to demonstrate that "disrespecting them" is a huge mistake. I see many parallels in both situations and players. The biggest difference, and it is a BIG one.....is that DB9 came at a discount, despite the Saints belief in him, because he was "damaged goods". I sincerely doubt that DC4 will come at a discount. We'll be paying full price for him...maybe more....so we better be damn sure "he's the man" for the next 3-5 years. Because that's a long time to be stuck with a contract for a player you can't get rid off, because they're not getting it done, but you can't afford to let them go.