Panthers' Frank Reich: Derek Carr Has a 'Good 5-Year Window' amid Jets Rumors

New Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich sees a potential franchise quarterback in Derek Carr.

"There's still a good five-year window there," Reich told reporters of the free-agent quarterback, who has been linked to the Panthers, New York Jets and New Orleans Saints.

Carr met with all three teams in Indianapolis at this week's scouting combine, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. He will likely to make a decision about his future before the start of free agency.

The Panthers are currently $2.3 million over the cap and will have to get under it before the start of the league year on March 15. While it won't be difficult to maneuver money around—restructuring the contracts of wideout D.J. Moore and offensive tackle Taylor Moton alone would carve out about $24 million in space—Carolina's ability to sign a high-priced quarterback is questionable.

Dianna Russini of ESPN reported last week that Carr is seeking a contract averaging around $35 million per season. The Panthers could structure a contract to artificially keep Carr's cap number low for the 2023 season, but it seems more likely that they'll look to the draft to find their quarterback of the future.

Carolina could be among the most aggressive teams in negotiating with the Chicago Bears for the No. 1 overall pick. The Bears have not tipped their hand at their strategy for the draft, but moving back would make the most sense if they're committed to Justin Fields as their starting quarterback.

Reich, a former NFL quarterback, has a strong reputation around the league as an offensive mind, but he struggled during his tenure with the Indianapolis Colts to find an answer at quarterback. The Colts had five different primary starting quarterbacks in as many seasons with Reich as their head coach.

He was fired nine games into the 2022 season.