Derek Carr has already met with the New York Jets once. And he’ll do so again during the NFL scouting combine this week in Indianapolis, Jets general manager Joe Douglas confirmed on Tuesday.
So where do things stand with Carr and the Jets as NFL free agency ramps up?
“I can tell you that was a fantastic visit,” Douglas said of his time with Carr earlier this month.
“He left a strong impression with everybody. Obviously, we’re going to explore the veteran quarterback market and we’re going to look at every available option. … We’re going to make the best decision for the Jets.”
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Douglas did not want to divulge whether Carr and the Jets discussed contract negotiations, but he is certainly a viable option.
“We had a great visit, and felt like it was a really productive visit,” Douglas said again of Carr, who is a free agent after being released by the Las Vegas Raiders earlier this month, ending his nine-year run with the franchise.
More into the Jets’ quarterback position this offseason
The Jets are in a unique position at quarterback, making it known they want to upgrade, despite former No. 2 pick Zach Wilson just completing his second season with the team.
Douglas was also coy when asked if he spoke with the Green Bay Packers, regarding Aaron Rodgers’ availability, saying he’s spoken with multiple general managers around the league.
How do the Jets feel about Zach Wilson?
The Jets still have Wilson, the No. 2 pick behind Trevor Lawrence in 2021, under contract for two more seasons of his rookie deal – unless they activate his fifth-year option or trade him to another team.
“Our stance on Zach hasn’t changed. Zach has a very high ceiling. Obviously the first two years haven’t played out the way that anybody hoped,” Douglas said on Tuesday.
“In my time in this league, I’ve found out when players love this game and when players work their tails off, they usually hit their ceiling. I feel like Zach definitely has those traits. I still feel strongly Zach is going to hit his ceiling.”
More on Jets’ potential pursuit of Derek Carr
Douglas was adamant about both Carr and the Jets coming to a mutual decision at the right time for both parties.
“I don’t want to speak for Derek, but this is the first time he’s been a free agent in his pro career. Being around him, and seeing how smart he is, I know he’s going to be thorough in this process to make sure him and his family end up in the right destination for him,” Douglas said of Carr.
“We’re going to respect his process, and make the right decision when the time comes.”
While complimenting Carr’s game, Douglas said the former Raiders standout is a “high level producer. But really a phenomenal person.”
“Just spending time with him, very authentic. Very intelligent. Very comfortable in his own skin. And highly competitive,” Douglas added.
“On the tape, you see the talent. You see the release, the velocity, the way he gets the ball out, the decision making and the accuracy. So, a lot of things to like.”
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Derek Carr to meet with Jets again this week at NFL scouting combine
Source: News