It looks like Derek Carr will be playing football in the NFC South in 2023. But it won’t be with the Carolina Panthers.
As first reported by NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero on Monday morning, Carr is expected to sign with the New Orleans Saints. Per Pelissero’s colleague Ian Rapoport, the four-time Pro Bowler will be inking a four-year deal with Carolina’s NFC South rivals.
The #Saints are closing in on a deal with QB David Carr, sources tell me and @RapSheet. After nine seasons with the #Raiders, the four-time Pro Bowl selection is headed to New Orleans.
The first QB domino is about to fall and one NFC South team has its starter. pic.twitter.com/nuLSAhncLQ
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 6, 2023
Carr was released by the Las Vegas Raiders last month after nine seasons with the organization. He left as the franchise’s all-time leader in passing yards (35,222) and passing touchdowns (217).
The soon-to-be 32-year-old had spoken with the Panthers, as well as the New York Jets, during his short stint in free agency. But the Saints, more so than any other team, seemed most interested in Carr from the outset.
With Carr off the board, the Panthers will now shift even more of their focus towards the quarterback prospects of the 2023 NFL draft.