Raiders quarterback Derek Carr invited to visit by Saints

Could the Las Vegas Raiders and Derek Carr be another step closer to finalizing a trade involving quarterback Derek Carr?

NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport reported on Tuesday that the New Orleans Saints have invited Carr for a visit on Wednesday as the quarterback reaches his Feb. 15 deadline with the Raiders.

Rapoport tweeted:

"Sources: The #Saints invited QB Derek Carr for a visit and the #Raiders have granted permission for that to happen. The plan is for a visit tomorrow. Carr, who has a no-trade clause, is doing due diligence and no trade is imminent."

This is the first known team that is interested in acquiring Carr. He has a no-trade clause, so he could deny any deal for him. But with him set to visit New Orleans on Wednesday, it seems like there is some mutual interest.

The Saints recently acquired a late first-round pick from the Denver Broncos via the Miami Dolphins. With the extra leverage of having two first-round picks, it may cause some other teams that are interested in Carr to act quicker, as the Raiders hope to move Carr before Feb. 15.

Could Derek Carr take over as New Orleans' franchise quarterback?

Long-time New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees retired following the 2020 season.

The team has had Jameis Winston, Andy Dalton, Trevor Siemian, Ian Book and Taysom Hill play at quarterback since Brees retired, and none of the five seem to be their franchise guy.

Between the five, they have finished 16-18 in the last two seasons and haven't made the playoffs since Brees was there. Carr has finished the last two seasons with a combined record of 16-16 with a playoff appearance in 2021.

Dalton and Winston have mainly split the starting job, with Winston having 10 starts in the last two seasons and Dalton having 14.

At this point in their careers, Carr may be a slight upgrade to what the Saints currently have. It is unclear what the compensation will be like, and if the Saints and Carr will restructure his contract.

If you use any of the above quotes, please credit Ian Rapoport and H/T Sportskeeda.