Should the Atlanta Falcons take a big chance on Derek Carr?

We now know that Derek Carr’s time with the Raiders is done and the Atlanta Falcons should be in the quarterback market this off-season. Marcus Mariota should be a cap casualty and Desmond Ridder didn’t show enough to be handed the starting job. Carr is just one season removed from leading the Raiders to the playoffs in absolute dysfunction.

With in-season controversies and losing key players due to off-the-field incidents, Carr was the steady leading force for the Raiders and helped guide them back into the playoffs. One season later and a new head coach later and it is Derek Carr who is believed to be the problem for the Raiders. After a disappointing season it couldn’t be the terrible defense or the head coach that appears to be completely lost it is clearly the veteran quarterback.

Let’s be clear here Derek Carr has been far from perfect but he is also far from the Raiders’ biggest problem. With a no-trade clause and the ability to pick his landing spot or force the Raiders to release him and allow him to negotiate his own contract, Carr is in the driver’s seat when it comes to his next landing spot.

Atlanta would make a lot of sense for Carr when you consider the young weapons the team has and the cap space that would allow them to pay the veteran and still build around him. Atlanta should have at least a level of interest in Carr considering he is likely the biggest upgrade they will find this off-season.

Bryce Young, Tom Brady, and Lamar Jackson are all clearly the top off-season targets, however, it seems unlikely the Falcons will be able to land any of the three. So putting aside a shocking blockbuster the Falcons should absolutely be willing to take a risk on Derek Carr. At his best Carr is more than capable of leading a team to the playoffs and is a proven and respected leader at the most important position on the field.

Atlanta should certainly try to land one of this year’s top quarterbacks but if all else fails Carr would be a great consilation prize for a team that clearly needs a quarterback this off-season.