The New York Jets have been told that they should snub a trade for Aaron Rodgers and instead look at Derek Carr.
Carr was released from the Las Vegas Raiders this week after an interesting back and forth with the franchise, refusing to waive his no-trade clause to push a move to the New Orleans Saints. The quarterback met with the Saints, indicating that he is considering a trade to them with terms potentially already agreed upon with the two teams, but Carr said he would not accept a trade and wanted to be released.
It's a move that will hamper the Raiders slightly, but sees them also look to the future with the belief that they too can contend for a Super Bowl with an upgrade at the position, as they are a likely landing spot for Rodgers.
And while the Jets remain a team that would be ideal for Rodgers, the franchise has been told why they should consider Carr ahead of him. Rodgers is set to start a four-day darkness retreat this week ahead of making his final decision.
Speaking on ESPN's Get Up, analyst and former Atlanta Falcons receiver Harry Douglas said: "I think the Jets need to pursue Derek Carr and not sit around and wait for Aaron Rodgers. Yes, I understand that Rodgers is the better quarterback, winning multiple MVP's and a Super Bowl on his resume.
"But he has to be traded for that to happen (amid reports it will cost the Jets two first-rounders). For Derek Carr, he is a free agent right now and can sign with the team. I do not think he needs to rush, so Carr is sitting in a great spot."
Trading two first-rounders for the 39-year-old quarterback would essentially be hampering their future chances of upgrading on inevitable team needs, but does get them arguably the most talented passer in the league.
The Jets look to have an exciting roster, with the dominant Quinnen Williams on the defensive line, and rookie of the year winners Sauce Gardner at cornerback and Garrett Wilson at wide receiver.
But quarterback play has hampered them for a number of years, after both highly-drafted Sam Darnold and Zach Wilson have not worked out - with the team moving on from Darnold last year and potentially looking to do the same with Wilson this summer.
For Carr, his numbers are significantly better than any Jets starting quarterback over the last decade (bar Ryan Fitzpatrick's 2015 season) - performing at an above league average level since entering the league in 2014.
Carr is expected to be the most sought-after free agent, with Geno Smith, Jimmy Garoppolo and Daniel Jones all currently projected to hit the market which opens in three weeks. Lamar Jackson is also a free agent, but the Ravens have already stated that they will franchise tag him, making him unable to play for another team unless traded.
