Should the Atlanta Falcons chase Derek Carr this off-season?

Derek Carr joined former Atlanta Falcons starting quarterback Marcus Mariota as veteran quarterbacks who have been benched this season. Despite the offensive line, pass rush, secondary, and coaching struggles blaming Carr seemed the easiest path for a Raiders team that has regressed to a shocking level a season after making the playoffs.

Carr being benched and the fact the Raiders have an out on the contract this off-season all point to the veteran quarterback finding a new home this off-season. With the Falcons obviously in the quarterback market and Carr’s ability, it is fair to wonder if the veteran could land in Atlanta?

Atlanta deciding to chase Carr should only happen if the Raiders release the quarterback or Atlanta has no other upgrades available to them in the draft, free agency, or via trade. Carr has three years left on his deal with a $43-million dollar cap hit in the final two years of that deal. Atlanta cannot trade for the veteran considering the fact to win with Carr you have to surround him with talent.

Carr is a player very similar to Matt Ryan who is capable of greatness but often comes up just short in the biggest moments. Carr is an option for Atlanta only if he is released and is willing to sign a team-friendly deal in Atlanta.

He is clearly a huge upgrade over Mariota or Ridder, however, the Falcons should be very cautious about bringing the veteran to Atlanta. Carr has been unfairly blamed when it comes to the Raiders’ struggles this season.

The numbers he has put up in his career are impressive and contribute to winning on a functional team something the Raiders have rarely been. What he accomplished last season should be lauded considering the dysfunction around him. Carr is a top-fifteen quarterback who can win on a good team.

However, he isn’t capable of elevating a young Atlanta roster without a lot of support around him. Carr should be an option for the Falcons but only if the perfect situation presents itself.