Which Team Is Best Potential Fit for Raiders' Derek Carr amid NFL Trade Rumors?

For the first time in his NFL career, Derek Carr will be on the move this offseason. Because it's already a sure thing that the 31-year-old quarterback won't be returning to the Las Vegas Raiders for the 2023 season.

Carr, who signed a three-year, $121.5 million extension with the Raiders last offseason, didn't make it to the end of the 2022 campaign as Las Vegas' starting QB. He was benched with two games to play in favor of the inexperienced Jarrett Stidham to cap Josh McDaniels' first year as the team's head coach.

On Saturday, Carr tweeted that he's "choosing to move on" from the precarious finish to what will end up being his final season with the Raiders. He also stated that it is "the hardest thing in the world not to jump on every interview and tell the whole truth."

It appears Carr has already begun his search for a new team, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Carr has a no-trade clause, so he'll be able to control his future destination, and he may already be researching various franchises.

"I'm told that he's started to do his homework on prospective teams," Fowler said during an appearance on SportsCenter. "Really, the teams I talked to expect a variation of the [New Orleans] Saints, the [Washington] Commanders, the [New York] Jets to all inquire. And I'm told some teams have already made some early initial calls to the Raiders."

A trade isn't likely to come together immediately. Fowler said "there's not a lot of traction yet," but to "expect this to heat up closer to the Super Bowl."

Still, it's interesting to consider how Carr could fit into the offenses of the teams that are rumored to be potential trade partners for Las Vegas. And it's not too surprising that any of the three reported by Fowler could be in the mix.

New Orleans is coming off a 7-10 season in which it started both Andy Dalton and Jameis Winston at quarterback. The Saints have talented playmakers on offense, but they need a QB who can get the ball in their hands consistently.

Washington is expected to move on from Carson Wentz after one season, as he struggled in his lone year with the team. Taylor Heinicke is set to become a free agent, leaving Sam Howell as the only quarterback on the Commanders' roster who will be under contract entering 2023.

The Jets need to figure out their QB situation now that Zach Wilson (the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft) doesn't appear to be the long-term answer. Mike White and Joe Flacco are both set to hit free agency this offseason.

Carr could play well in any of those spots. Washington has an intriguing situation because of its strong receiving corps (Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson and Curtis Samuel). Plus, Commanders defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio was the Raiders' head coach from 2015-17, so he has ties to Carr.

But the best fit for Carr may be in New Orleans. With the NFC South open heading into next season, the Saints could be on the cusp of getting back to the playoffs for the first time since the 2020 campaign (which was the final year of longtime quarterback Drew Brees' career).

New Orleans has a solid running game, with Alvin Kamara leading its backfield. And it has a young, high-potential group of wide receivers that includes Chris Olave, who impressed during his 2022 rookie season. The Saints also have a strong defense that has the potential to keep getting better.

By trading for Carr, New Orleans could easily get back to being a postseason contender. He's a nine-year NFL veteran with 142 games of starting experience, and he should elevate the play of those around him.

It would make sense that Carr could want to join the Saints, and they should be looking to add him. It's time for them to move on from Dalton and Winston and bring in a better QB who can lead them back to the postseason. Carr should fit that bill quite well.