Jets had a ‘unbelievable go to’ with QB Derek Carr, GM Joe Douglas says – The Mercury Information

INDIANAPOLIS — Days after his launch from the Raiders, quarterback Derek Carr visited the Jets to see if he was a possible match for each side.

However Carr left Florham Park with out signing a contract with the staff, intent on exploring all of his choices.

Nonetheless, Jets common supervisor Joe Douglas mentioned the staff loved assembly and speaking to Carr.

“It was a unbelievable go to,” Douglas instructed reporters throughout the NFL Scouting Mix on Tuesday. “We loved spending time with him.

“He’s the one quarterback I can make clear for you guys as a result of he’s the one quarterback that’s a free agent. I can say he left a robust impression with everyone.

“Clearly, we’re going to be exploring the veteran free-agent quarterback market this offseason. We’re going to have a look at each obtainable choice and we’re going to make one of the best determination for the Jets.”

After their offensive struggles final 12 months, the Jets have made it no secret that they’re out there for a veteran signal-caller this season. Gang Inexperienced completed twenty fifth in whole offense in 2022 [318.2 yards per game] and twenty ninth in factors [17.4 points per game].

The Jets made adjustments to their offensive employees after dropping six consecutive video games to finish the season following a shocking 7-4 begin. After the Jets and Mike LaFleur agreed to half methods, they employed Nathaniel Hackett as their offensive coordinator. Additionally, the Jets added Todd Downing as their passing recreation coordinator and Keith Carter as their offensive line coach (each have been beforehand with the Titans).

Carr is the primary quarterback the Jets have visited with since he’s presently a free agent and might signal with any staff forward of free company, which begins March 15. The Raiders launched Carr earlier this month after 9 seasons with the membership after benching him for the ultimate two video games of the common season.

The four-time Professional Bowler could be a big improve at quarterback, one thing the Jets have been trying to find a long time. In his tenure with the Raiders, Carr handed for 35,222 yards, 217 touchdowns and 99 interceptions whereas finishing 64.6% of his passes. However the Raiders with Carr below middle solely had two successful seasons

Earlier than the Raiders launched him, Carr visited with the Saints. Nonetheless, Carr had a non-trade clause and he turned down a possibility to affix the Saints as a result of he wished to check free company. Carr is touring to Indianapolis this week throughout the mix to fulfill not solely with the Jets group but additionally the Saints and Panthers.

“Excessive-level producer,” Douglas mentioned about Carr. “Phenomenon particular person simply spending time with him, very genuine.

“Extremely clever, very snug in his personal pores and skin and extremely aggressive. On the tape, you see the expertise, the discharge, the speed, the best way he will get the ball out, the decision-making, the accuracy.

“There are a whole lot of issues to love.”

Nonetheless, Carr is considered one of many quarterbacks on Gang Inexperienced’s radar.

The Jets have been monitoring the standing of Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers as he decides if he needs to retire or return for his nineteenth season within the league. If Rodgers does proceed taking part in, he and the Packers might want to determine if that’s in Inexperienced Bay or elsewhere. Inexperienced Bay common supervisor Brian Gutekunst mentioned he has restricted conversations with Rodgers for the reason that season ended.

Final week, Rodgers returned from a darkness retreat, the place he reportedly spent 4 days and 4 nights at a southern Oregon facility.

The Jets may additionally have a look at different quarterback choices equivalent to Lamar Jackson, Jimmy Garoppolo and Ryan Tannehill.

Douglas mentioned he would respect Carr’s free agent course of and mentioned the Jets will signal a quarterback when the time is correct.

“I feel it’s onerous to place an actual timetable,” Douglas mentioned. “I feel everyone would wish to know sooner fairly than later, however everybody has their very own course of. We have now our course of in exploring choices and every participant has their very own course of by way of what they’ve happening.

“I can’t give a direct timetable, particular timetable. However when the choice is able to be made, I really feel strongly we’re going to make the precise determination.

A whole lot of the blame for the Jets’ offensive struggles has been pointed at former No. 2 general choose Zach Wilson and his lack of development throughout the first two seasons within the league. In 22 video games, Wilson has thrown for 4,022 yards, 15 touchdowns and 18 interceptions. The Jets are 8-14 in video games Wilson has began throughout his quick NFL profession.

Regardless of the dearth of success he has had within the league up to now, the Jets and Douglas at the least publicly proceed to again Wilson as they are saying he’s nonetheless a part of the staff’s future.

“In speaking to Nathaniel, Todd and our employees, we’re so excited to get with Zach and begin working,” Douglas mentioned. “Have had some constructive discussions.

“Our stance on Zach hasn’t modified. We really feel like Zach has a really excessive ceiling. Clearly, the primary two years haven’t performed out the best way anyone has hoped, however we nonetheless really feel like there’s a really excessive ceiling with Zach.

“I nonetheless fill strongly about the place Zach goes to be.”

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