Could the Carolina Panthers really be going for a fourth retread project in as many seasons? ESPN insider Chris Mortensen believes there’s a chance.
On Sunday afternoon, during an episode of Postseason NFL Countdown, Mortensen and the crew touched on the ongoing saga of soon-to-be former Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr. And although the 31-year-old passer has been playing footsies with the division rival New Orleans Saints this past week, it’s the Panthers—with head coach Frank Reich and new quarterbacks coach Josh McCown—who could start striking up some chemistry.
On ESPN, Chris Mortensen says with Frank Reich and Josh McCown in Carolina, QB Derek Carr could emerge with the Panthers. “Could be some synergy there,” says Mort. pic.twitter.com/px8M34U0O9
— John Ellis (@1PantherPlace) February 12, 2023
Carr, who passed for 3,522 yards and 24 touchdowns over 15 starts in 2022, is coming off his fourth career Pro Bowl nod. But that hasn’t been enough for Josh McDaniels’ Raiders, who will continue to work with Carr on an exit strategy.
A report from ESPN’s Jermey Fowler yesterday indicated that Las Vegas is seeking a third-round selection for Carr. But that seemingly modest asking price will be a lot pricier if his $40.4 million guarantee is made official on Wednesday.
So if the Panthers want to trade for Carr, they’d have to be willing to cough up that pick and commit to at least a large chunk of that cost. They could also wait for him to be released, which may happen by next week.