New York Jets Believe Quarterback Derek Carr Would Make Them Super Bowl Contender

The New York Jets are apparently all but finished with the 2021 NFL Draft's second-overall pick Zach Wilson. Per ESPN's Dianna Russini on NFL Live, the Jets pulled out all the stops in their free-agent visit with former Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr.

Derek Carr's visit with the Jets on Monday went 'really well' 👀🗽

"[The Jets] made it super personal too, they said 'We believe if you come to New York and win, you could be a first ballot Hall of Famer.'" — @diannaESPN pic.twitter.com/eyBpLR8HRB
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) February 21, 2023

The Jets evidently see themselves as a Super Bowl contender in waiting with the right quarterback, and they believe Carr can get the job done. They even flattered Carr by suggesting he could be a first-ballot Hall of Famer if he succeeds in New York.

The Jets are also reportedly pursuing Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Neither Rodgers nor Carr made the playoffs in 2022; Rodgers averaged career-worst marks of 217.4 passing yards per game and a 91.1 passer rating, and Carr threw 14 interceptions and was benched after a 6-9 start to the season. The fact that the Jets see both as enormous upgrades over Wilson speaks to their disenchantment with the young passer; he has managed a mere 182.8 passing yards per game and a 70.9 passer rating in his 22 starts.

The Jets finished 7-10 last year with poor play at quarterback, but they may be overestimating themselves if they think they're poised for instant contention. Rodgers and Carr were mediocre in 2022, and there's no telling how well their skills would transfer over to the Jets' scheme. For every Tom Brady instantly leading a losing Tampa Bay Buccaneers organization to a Super Bowl, there's a Russell Wilson immediately sinking the Denver Broncos to the league's basement.