NEW ORLEANS — The Las Vegas Raiders have granted quarterback Derek Carr permission to visit the New Orleans Saints, the first known visit ahead of the February 15 trigger date in his contract.
Once that date passes, $40.4 million of Carr's salary will become guaranteed - which almost certainly means the team will release him prior to then if a trade is not agreed to beforehand.
New Orleans recently acquired the No. 29 overall pick in the 2023 draft as compensation for trading Sean Payton to Denver, although the price to acquire Carr may not even be that steep, with reports indicating as little as a third round pick could get a deal done.
Matt Williamson of the Peacock and Williamson NFL show is quickly on board with New Orleans making this move, especially with a price point as low as the one currently being reported.
"If you're the Saints you can win that division by giving up a second round pick or a third round pick for Carr and running it back," Williamson said. "I like it."
Carr has a full no-trade clause, but his familiarity with Saints head coach Dennis Allen - who drafted him in 2014 and started him as a rookie - makes New Orleans an attractive destination for the 31-year-old signal caller, who just wrapped up his fourth Pro Bowl appearance and first since 2017.
New Orleans has been connected to nearly every quarterback expected to be on the market this offseason, having endured a rough season with veteran Andy Dalton replacing Jameis Winston and posting pedestrian numbers during a 7-10 campaign.
For more on New Orleans' quest for a quarterback, check out the Locked on Saints podcast.