Saints' Derek Carr discusses not joining Jets in 2023

During a recent appearance on the "Pardon My Take" podcast, current New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr discussed not joining the New York Jets in March 2023.

"I could’ve (signed with the Jets), it just wasn’t the right time for me," Carr explained, as shared by Joey Aliberti of GulfLive. "There was still like four or five teams I had to hear from. I remember sitting there with (New York coach Robert Saleh), he’s like, 'Look man we’d love to have you, it’s up to you.'"

Carr had been linked with the Jets even before he was released by the Las Vegas Raiders in February 2023, as 2021 second overall draft pick Zach Wilson had failed to cement himself as New York's starter.

However, the Saints reportedly were "the most aggressive suitor for" Carr and allegedly were the only team that "made a trade offer to the Raiders for his prior contract."

Carr ultimately received a four-year, $150M deal with $100M in total guarantees from New Orleans.

"I remember going (to the Jets facility) and I promised myself I had to go through the process," Carr recalled. "Because I didn’t wanna sign and then think, 'Well what did that team think? Or what could they do?' That was hard. Yeah, it was a weird situation, but at the same time trading for [Aaron Rodgers] wasn’t a guarantee for them."

It was widely believed throughout that winter that Rodgers was the Jets' first choice before Carr signed with the Saints and before New York officially landed the future Hall of Famer via a trade with the Green Bay Packers in April 2023. Carr essentially confirmed during the podcast chat that the Jets always wanted Rodgers more than him.

"The thing which was different in that situation was like Aaron is a nine billion-time MVP right? But you still have to trade for him, whereas I’m free," Carr said. "And you can still keep those picks. I was not asking for as much money as whatever they say your market is. I was like, I don’t wanna do that because wherever I go, man, I just wanna win. So use the money, I don’t care."

Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles just four offensive snaps into the Jets' 2023 regular-season opener, and it's unknown what he will and won't be coming off such a serious injury at the age of 40. By this time next year, Jets owner Woody Johnson may regret not choosing Carr over Rodgers following the 2022 campaign.