Derek Carr world tour thread (updated with combine visits) (5 Viewers)

[IlovemySaints]

Fair points. but I'm not a "just draft a QB" proponent. I want one, but I want the right one. And the folks who want to pass on all QBs this year, because NEXT year's crop is better....there's no guarantee that your favorite will even be available at the Saints draft slot next year. Just make the best possible decision you can make TODAY, based on the options available now.

Same can be said about FA signings. I believe DC4 is better than anything on the roster right now....he'd be an upgrade. but I'm not sure he's a franchise QB that it makes sense to tie up assets over a long-term. He's an above-average to good QB. I'll take that, for now. I can live with above-average to good, but what I REALLY want is elite. And just about every year, someone takes a QB who fits that description. Except the Saints (Archie Manning excepted). With that said, you miss 100% of the shots you never took.

This and it’s been plenty of QBs who we’re supposed the be the next big one and they flopped nothing is guaranteed in a draft

 

[tim martin]

So apparently we’re ready to send an offer but Carr is just messing around waiting for suitors. Maybe he doesn’t want to be here

 

[St. Geezy]

So why hasn't he signed with the Saints?

Is he hoping that the more teams that show a really serious interest the higher the contract he can get with the Saints? But it will take more than interviews--it will take offers to hike up the price tag.

Or is he hoping that another team, which he views as more attractive, will make an offer so he doesn't have to go to the Saints?

And here's the real story. There are perhaps 10 teams in the league that really need a quarterback. Houston and Indianapolis seem intent on drafting in the top four four picks (perhaps the top two picks) a quarterback, and it's possible that one or two other teams are looking to draft really high a quarterback. That still leaves six or so teams that badly need a quarterback. For those who think that Carr is a legitimate top 12 quarterback, why aren't teams other than the Saints and Jets showing a serious interest? The relative lack of interest indicates how most NFL teams grade him.

When you think about it, there really aren’t a lot of jobs available out there. Saints, Panthers, and Jets have an interest and have met with him. Who else is out there?

Bucs seem inclined to tank and are rolling with Trask.

Texans have a high draft pick and will undoubtedly roll with a rookie.

That’s about it. Everyone else seems to already have their girl for the dance.

 

[jdpower13]

Anyone remember ever seeing an article from the Saints official website on a free agent before?

New Orleans Saints officials, quarterback Derek Carr continued mutual interest at NFL Scouting Combine

Between this and 2 articles on Carr today from Underhill and Triplett it feels like we might finally see the end of tunnel on this whole story soonish

 

[St. Geezy]

This explanation seems to fit the situation.

But I'm personally bothered that IF he's coming to the Saints, he hasn't already signed. I don't expect friendship with DA to be the deciding factor, or even the over-riding factor, but here's what we KNOW:
- DA is the guy who wanted DC4 in black & silver, and was responsible for drafting him into the league
- DA & DC4 have apparently remained in contact over the years, despite never working for the same team beyond 4 games into DC4s rookie season
- DA & Saints wanted DC4 bad enough to offer to trade assets to the Raiders for DC4
- DC4 took the meeting with Saints, but insisted his "no trade" clause would remain in effect....AFTER meeting with Saints
- Does anyone think parameters of contract compensation weren't discussed at that meeting with Saints?
- After forcing Raiders hand, DC4 takes meeting with Jets (blowing up conjecture that DC4 wanted Saints to retain assets to help his "new" team)
- Maybe he got an offer from Jets, maybe he didn't? But he remains unsigned by Saints, Jets, or anyone else
- DC4 is "available" for interviews at the rookie combine in Indianapolis; my impression is this "smells" like desparation...since when does a 9-year veteran need to ride the coattails of rookie evaluations to get interest/nibbles from teams who already knew he was available?
- DC4 is meeting AGAIN with the Saints, Jets, and now Panthers (maybe others, but we KNOW about these)

I can't comment on contract offers, or the $$$ of those offers, but the ACTIONS of DC4 indicate that he doesn't want to play for the Saints.
- We offered to trade for him, and he refused the offer
- We almost certainly made him a contract offer, which he has not accepted
- He either hasn't gotten an offer from the Jets, but is hoping for one; or is trying to leverage Jets offer against Saints
- He is now meeting with Panthers....interest levels to be determined

Based on the overlay of the 2 situations, DC4 has had several opportunities to accept a contract to play in B&G this season, but has re-buffed (so far) every opportunity. I think it's reasonable to conclude 1 of 2 things, possibly even both:
- His relationship with DA isn't as strong as speculated; certainly not enough to tip the scales over other circumstances
- He doesn't want to play for the Saints, who appear to be the only team who prioritize him as their 1st option (currently)

IMO, if DC4 comes to the Saints, it won't be because he WANTED to; it will be because it was his best (only?) option on the table. Normally, in that scenario, I'd say I don't want him....I want guys who WANT to be Saints. But in this instance, maybe a 1-year deal with DC4 is warranted? He comes here on a 1-year deal to "prove" his value, knowing full well he hits the FA market again next year, where presumably he has better options in suitors and compensation; and the Saints draft a QB this year, groom him for 1-year on the bench, and start him next year when DC4 is playing somewhere else? OR....DC4 lights it up for the Saints, like DB9 did in 2006, and the Saints pay him franchise QB money NEXT season, when they can afford to pay him more? JMO...

I am thinking he is a little surprised that our offer, possibly his only offer, is so low. Perhaps he is betting on the Jets not getting their guy (Rodgers) then entering the bidding to get his number closer to what he desires.

 

[St. Geezy]

Anyone remember ever seeing an article from the Saints official website on a free agent before?

New Orleans Saints officials, quarterback Derek Carr continued mutual interest at NFL Scouting Combine

Between this and 2 articles on Carr today from Underhill and Triplett it feels like we might finally see the end of tunnel on this whole story soonish

Agreed. This is abnormal behavior. Perhaps they’re setting the stage for something they know is very likely coming, especially with the ticket renewal deadline approaching.

 

[Snakehead]

I am thinking he is a little surprised that our offer, possibly his only offer, is so low. Perhaps he is betting on the Jets not getting their guy (Rodgers) then entering the bidding to get his number closer to what he desires.

Or our offer is accurate and he was expecting/advised that he could get more, like Ingram. Ingram's agent told him he could get $8M/yr and that was false so he ended up signing a deal that was nearly identical to the one that Loomis had offered him, but wasn't on the table anymore since we moved on.

 

[St. Geezy]

Or our offer is accurate and he was expecting/advised that he could get more, like Ingram. Ingram's agent told him he could get $8M/yr and that was false so he ended up signing a deal that was nearly identical to the one that Loomis had offered him, but wasn't on the table anymore since we moved on.

I don’t disagree, just trying to convey what his side may be thinking.

 

[Snakehead]

Agreed. This is abnormal behavior. Perhaps they’re setting the stage for something they know is very likely coming, especially with the ticket renewal deadline approaching.

It's well known that the combine is where a lot of informal/formal deals get done. Not saying it's happening, but Carr could also be "recruiting" other veterans to join him. It's not tampering if your not employed by a team. I think he ends up a Saint when this whole thing is over. I also think him signing here might bring a player that fills another need.

Taylor Lewan is on record saying he'd want to play for the Saints. Let Lewan play LT with Penning at LG and when Lewan is done, slide Penning back out to LT. That would be a nasty side of the line and Lewan came into the league with a nasty streak that got under control. He would be a good influence/mentor for Penning.

 

[Nolan]

This explanation seems to fit the situation.

But I'm personally bothered that IF he's coming to the Saints, he hasn't already signed. I don't expect friendship with DA to be the deciding factor, or even the over-riding factor, but here's what we KNOW:
- DA is the guy who wanted DC4 in black & silver, and was responsible for drafting him into the league
- DA & DC4 have apparently remained in contact over the years, despite never working for the same team beyond 4 games into DC4s rookie season
- DA & Saints wanted DC4 bad enough to offer to trade assets to the Raiders for DC4
- DC4 took the meeting with Saints, but insisted his "no trade" clause would remain in effect....AFTER meeting with Saints
- Does anyone think parameters of contract compensation weren't discussed at that meeting with Saints?
- After forcing Raiders hand, DC4 takes meeting with Jets (blowing up conjecture that DC4 wanted Saints to retain assets to help his "new" team)
- Maybe he got an offer from Jets, maybe he didn't? But he remains unsigned by Saints, Jets, or anyone else
- DC4 is "available" for interviews at the rookie combine in Indianapolis; my impression is this "smells" like desparation...since when does a 9-year veteran need to ride the coattails of rookie evaluations to get interest/nibbles from teams who already knew he was available?
- DC4 is meeting AGAIN with the Saints, Jets, and now Panthers (maybe others, but we KNOW about these)

I can't comment on contract offers, or the $$$ of those offers, but the ACTIONS of DC4 indicate that he doesn't want to play for the Saints.
- We offered to trade for him, and he refused the offer
- We almost certainly made him a contract offer, which he has not accepted
- He either hasn't gotten an offer from the Jets, but is hoping for one; or is trying to leverage Jets offer against Saints
- He is now meeting with Panthers....interest levels to be determined

Based on the overlay of the 2 situations, DC4 has had several opportunities to accept a contract to play in B&G this season, but has re-buffed (so far) every opportunity. I think it's reasonable to conclude 1 of 2 things, possibly even both:
- His relationship with DA isn't as strong as speculated; certainly not enough to tip the scales over other circumstances
- He doesn't want to play for the Saints, who appear to be the only team who prioritize him as their 1st option (currently)

IMO, if DC4 comes to the Saints, it won't be because he WANTED to; it will be because it was his best (only?) option on the table. Normally, in that scenario, I'd say I don't want him....I want guys who WANT to be Saints. But in this instance, maybe a 1-year deal with DC4 is warranted? He comes here on a 1-year deal to "prove" his value, knowing full well he hits the FA market again next year, where presumably he has better options in suitors and compensation; and the Saints draft a QB this year, groom him for 1-year on the bench, and start him next year when DC4 is playing somewhere else? OR....DC4 lights it up for the Saints, like DB9 did in 2006, and the Saints pay him franchise QB money NEXT season, when they can afford to pay him more? JMO...

This whole idea of only wanting guys who want to be here is kinda silly. We're not always going to be someones first choice and that's okay. Drew was only a Saint because Miami didn't want him. Derek is obviously interested in us and he's doing the smart thing in maximizing his contract.

(And before I get dumped on by anyone who misinterprets my message, I'm not in any way comparing Drew and Derek. It's just an example of how it's fine to be someones 2nd choice.)

 

[St. Geezy]

It's well known that the combine is where a lot of informal/formal deals get done. Not saying it's happening, but Carr could also be "recruiting" other veterans to join him. It's not tampering if your not employed by a team. I think he ends up a Saint when this whole thing is over. I also think him signing here might bring a player that fills another need.

Taylor Lewan is on record saying he'd want to play for the Saints. Let Lewan play LT with Penning at LG and when Lewan is done, slide Penning back out to LT. That would be a nasty side of the line and Lewan came into the league with a nasty streak that got under control. He would be a good influence/mentor for Penning.

Where did you see this regarding Lewan?

 

[St. Geezy]

This whole idea of only wanting guys who want to be here is kinda silly. We're not always going to be someones first choice and that's okay. Drew was only a Saint because Miami didn't want him. Derek is obviously interested in us and he's doing the smart thing in maximizing his contract.

(And before I get dumped on by anyone who misinterprets my message, I'm not in any way comparing Drew and Derek. It's just an example of how it's fine to be someones 2nd choice.)

Yep…for most of these guys, these are mere business transactions. Paid contractors that want to go to the highest bidder.

 

[Snakehead]

This whole idea of only wanting guys who want to be here is kinda silly. We're not always going to be someones first choice and that's okay. Drew was only a Saint because Miami didn't want him. Derek is obviously interested in us and he's doing the smart thing in maximizing his contract.

(And before I get dumped on by anyone who misinterprets my message, I'm not in any way comparing Drew and Derek. It's just an example of how it's fine to be someones 2nd choice.)

Payton wanted to be in Green Bay, Reggie wanted to be anywhere but here. The list goes on and I'm completely okay with not being someone's first choice or where they wanted to go, because a lot of time they end up where they are needed and it's the best choice.

 

[Snakehead]

Where did you see this regarding Lewan?

I'm not sure if this is the actual article or one similar. I had shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum yesterday so my mind has been a little foggy.

https://athlonsports.com/nfl/taylor-lewan-refuses-to-sign-with-3-nfl-teams

As for where he might continue his playing career, Lewan mentioned the Cincinnati Bengals, New Orleans Saints, Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles as potential fits.

 

[HouseCall]

Payton wanted to be in Green Bay, Reggie wanted to be anywhere but here. The list goes on and I'm completely okay with not being someone's first choice or where they wanted to go, because a lot of time they end up where they are needed and it's the best choice.

Well said. The New Orleans Saints experience is hard to explain to free agents and draft picks. But once they are in the fold, it makes sense.

So from the outsider perspective, New Orleans isn’t the top destination, but once the players are in the black and gold, it doesn’t take long to “get it”.

It’s an experience, a vibe… it has to be experienced to be understood.