Jets had a ‘fantastic visit’ with QB Derek Carr, GM Joe Douglas says

INDIANAPOLIS — Days after his release from the Raiders, quarterback Derek Carr visited the Jets to see if he was a potential fit for both sides.

But Carr left Florham Park without signing a contract with the team, intent on exploring all of his options.

However, Jets general manager Joe Douglas said the team enjoyed meeting and talking to Carr.

“It was a fantastic visit,” Douglas told reporters during the NFL Scouting Combine on Tuesday. “We enjoyed spending time with him.

“He is the only quarterback I can shed light on for you guys because he’s the only quarterback that’s a free agent. I can say he left a strong impression with everybody.

“Obviously, we are going to be exploring the veteran free-agent quarterback market this offseason. We are going to look at every available option and we are going to make the best decision for the Jets.”

After their offensive struggles last year, the Jets have made it no secret that they’re in the market for a veteran signal-caller this season. Gang Green finished 25th in total offense in 2022 [318.2 yards per game] and 29th in points [17.4 points per game].

The Jets made changes to their offensive staff after losing six consecutive games to end the season following a surprising 7-4 start. After the Jets and Mike LaFleur agreed to part ways, they hired Nathaniel Hackett as their offensive coordinator. Also, the Jets added Todd Downing as their passing game coordinator and Keith Carter as their offensive line coach (both were previously with the Titans).

Carr is the first quarterback the Jets have visited with since he is currently a free agent and can sign with any team ahead of free agency, which begins March 15. The Raiders released Carr earlier this month after nine seasons with the club after benching him for the final two games of the regular season.

The four-time Pro Bowler would be a significant upgrade at quarterback, something the Jets have been searching for decades. In his tenure with the Raiders, Carr passed for 35,222 yards, 217 touchdowns and 99 interceptions while completing 64.6% of his passes. But the Raiders with Carr under center only had two winning seasons

Before the Raiders released him, Carr visited with the Saints. However, Carr had a non-trade clause and he turned down an opportunity to join the Saints because he wanted to test free agency. Carr is traveling to Indianapolis this week during the combine to meet not only with the Jets organization but also the Saints and Panthers.

“High-level producer,” Douglas said about Carr. “Phenomenon person just spending time with him, very authentic.

“Ultra intelligent, very comfortable in his own skin and highly competitive. On the tape, you see the talent, the release, the velocity, the way he gets the ball out, the decision-making, the accuracy.

“There are a lot of things to like.”

However, Carr is one of many quarterbacks on Gang Green’s radar.

The Jets have been monitoring the status of Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers as he decides if he wants to retire or return for his 19th season in the league. If Rodgers does continue playing, he and the Packers will need to decide if that’s in Green Bay or elsewhere. Green Bay general manager Brian Gutekunst said he has limited conversations with Rodgers since the season ended.

Last week, Rodgers returned from a darkness retreat, where he reportedly spent four days and four nights at a southern Oregon facility.

The Jets could also look at other quarterback options such as Lamar Jackson, Jimmy Garoppolo and Ryan Tannehill.

Douglas said he would respect Carr’s free agent process and said the Jets will sign a quarterback when the time is right.

“I think it is hard to put an exact timetable,” Douglas said. “I think everybody would want to know sooner rather than later, but everyone has their own process. We have our process in exploring options and each player has their own process in terms of what they have going on.

“I can’t give a direct timetable, specific timetable. But when the decision is ready to be made, I feel strongly we are going to make the right decision.

A lot of the blame for the Jets’ offensive struggles has been pointed at former No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson and his lack of progression during the first two seasons in the league. In 22 games, Wilson has thrown for 4,022 yards, 15 touchdowns and 18 interceptions. The Jets are 8-14 in games Wilson has started during his short NFL career.

Despite the lack of success he has had in the league thus far, the Jets and Douglas at least publicly continue to back Wilson as they say he is still part of the team’s future.

“In talking to Nathaniel, Todd and our staff, we are so excited to get with Zach and start working,” Douglas said. “Have had some positive discussions.

“Our stance on Zach hasn’t changed. We feel like Zach has a very high ceiling. Obviously, the first two years haven’t played out the way anybody has hoped, but we still feel like there’s a very high ceiling with Zach.

“I still fill strongly about where Zach is going to be.”