Should the Atlanta Falcons chase Derek Carr in free agency?

Another starting quarterback option for the Atlanta Falcons will hit free agency with Derek Carr opting not to accept any trade from the Raiders. This forces the Raiders to release Carr and allow the veteran quarterback to likely become the top quarterback in free agency.

While Aaron Rodgers, Daniel Jones, and Lamar Jackson are all arguably better targets Carr should be the only unrestricted free agent of that group.

While Derek is clearly a better quarterback than Desmond Ridder right now the Falcons should have very little interest in the veteran. Considering the contract he will likely demand in comparison to his ceiling this isn’t a fit for the Falcons. Carr isn’t mobile as Arthur Smith clearly prefers in a quarterback and while a proven leader isn’t going to be the missing piece for Atlanta.

Carr needs a complete roster to be able to push a team to serious playoff contention and Atlanta won’t be able to build that roster if they pay Derek Carr. Atlanta’s best option remains to stick with Desmond Ridder and finding an option they can rely on behind the second-year quarterback.

Derek did some great things during his time with the Raiders, however, the fit with Atlanta simply isn’t there considering where Carr is in his career and where the Falcons’ roster is.

It wouldn’t be shocking to see Carr land in the NFC South even if Atlanta isn’t interested with the Panthers, Saints, and Bucs all looking for a quarterback. While this wouldn’t be ideal it would be far better for Carr to land within Atlanta’s division with a rival than for the Falcons to overpay the quarterback and be stuck just as they were three seasons ago. Paying Derek Carr might be tempting but the risks far outweigh the potential gain from signing the veteran.