MARCH 5, 6:05PM: Fowler continued with the updates today, tweeting that, while New Orleans and Carolina remain in the conversation for Carr, the former Raiders quarterback “has a slight lean toward the Jets.” It’s unclear what New York’s main priority is, as they’ve been heavily connected to Rodgers, but Fowler reports that they’ve “made an impression” on Carr.
MARCH 5, 3:36PM: While New Orleans remains one of the top teams to watch on the Carr front, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler notes that “at least” two others have inquired about the four-time Pro Bowler. The Jets and Panthers are in a different situation than the Saints, of course, but that trio could see increased competition in the coming days if more teams join the fray.
MARCH 4: Plenty of attention around the NFL is currently being paid to the 2023 class of quarterbacks in the upcoming draft. The top veteran passer currently on the market is certainly the subject of significant speculation and reporting as well, though. 
Derek Carr has been connected to a number of teams since he was released by the Raiders. Those include the Jets, who view him as their backup plan to Aaron Rodgers, and the Saints, who are reportedly prepared to work out a deal with Carr at any time now. The Panthers could also be in the market for a veteran signal-caller, though they are positioned to be contenders for one of the top rookie QBs this year as well.
Carolina met Carr in person earlier this week at the combine. That signaled their interest in at least doing their due diligence at the position, though it also came not long after the team was reported to be unwilling to meet the $35MM-per-year contract the 31-year-old is said to be seeking. That did not represent the only contact between the Panthers and Carr.
The two parties spoke over the phone before the combine and will do so again this Monday, as detailed by ESPN’s David Newton. When speaking on the subject of a possible Carr deal, head coach Frank Reich indicated that he would view the four-time Pro Bowler has a long-term investment despite his age (especially compared to the possibility of drafting a signal-caller in the first round of April’s draft). The latter approach is nevertheless believed to be the Panthers’ preference, reports Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network (video link).
That could point Carr towards the Saints as his free agent process continues to take shape. On that point. Luke Johnson of the New Orleans Advocate tweets that Carr could sign with his new team before free agency begins, perhaps as early as this coming week. That sentiment is shared by Wolfe’s colleague Ian Rapoport (video link).
The Saints have plenty of work still to do in terms of becoming cap compliant, let alone carving out enough space to afford Carr on a market-value deal. Like the Panthers, however, they are in need of at least an intermediate-term upgrade under center, so their interest is unlikely to wane in the coming days. That timeline could see a final decision made on Carr’s part, which would represent the first major development in the 2023 quarterback market.
“The two parties spoke over the phone …”
As if two cans and a string or the pony express were the other options.
Not usually, but mobile devices (including tablets) and computers are not always referred to as phones.
Latest on Derek carr: please click
Which clearly you did
I’m only human how can I resist the siren song of clickbait
I’m still baffled that Carolina would shy away from a very reasonable starting QB rate. I don’t blame them at all for electing to select a high end starter in the draft, but if they think that $35 million a year is exorbitant in today’s QB market, they should check the current salaries of today’s starters-and what some others are projected to get.
They must not be reading the Daniel Jones/Giants updates lol
Exactly.
If Kirk Cousins who’s making 35M, there’s no reason why Carr can’t make the same if not more as he’s a better QB imo
Supposedly Carr has pulled two other teams into the role of suitor. That will probably extend his decision-making time enough for the Jets to find out what is going on with Aaron Rodgers. If Aaron decides he wants to continue playing, it’s pretty certain that GB is ready to move on. The Jets will need to clear cap space for the move so I’m pretty sure they will try to include Lawson and Wilson along with picks (probably including one first rounder) in a trade for him.
It seems like Carr wants the Jets and that he’s okay waiting it out. Once Rodgers makes his decision, Carr knows that the demand for his services goes up.
The Jets look like they’re finally moving in the right direction. I totally get it, and Carr is making a smart play. NY is the best team of the three, and as long as he has at least 2 teams interested, he’s insulated from any team making a last second pivot. Even if NY decided to trade for Rodgers, Carr would make either N.O. or Carolina a strong favorite in that division too.
Carr needs to go where he is wanted!!!!
The Jets will do the same old Jets thing and bypass an experienced QB making a reasonable amount of money and go for the glitzy and shiny former Green Bay QB that makes the most of any player in the league. Thereby hamstring the cap, the ability to get or retain important players, having a me first diva who will be a polarizing player in the locker room, and probably only play one or two seasons. Btw, did it we see exactly that in Brett Favre?
Jets need to see what Tag is thrown on Lamar Jackson. If it is the transition tag, make Jackson an offer of guaranteed money that Baltimore won’t match and give up two picks. Jackson and the Jets D will be scary.. I want no part of Carr who plays poorly in bad weather or two years of Rodgers…
Carr will be a Jet and Zach will be Philly’s backup