Could Saints Visit Trigger Buccaneers Trade for Quarterback Derek Carr?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been connected to Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr since the retirement of Tom Brady left them with a hole at the position.
But the rub was, the Bucs were expected to pursue Carr as a free agent after the Raiders inevitably released him after failing to find a trade partner.
Enter the New Orleans Saints, who just can't help but be a pest by bringing Carr in for a visit, giving the impression they might be interested in the quarterback's services.
"There's part of me that thinks this is all for show," WTSP 10 Tampa Bay Sports Director Evan Closky said when asked if the Saints could actually negotiate a deal to acquire Carr. "There's been a little bit of steam in the Derek Carr to Buccaneers camp, especially when you consider...all the reports that the Glazers do not want to take a step back."
Tampa Bay is not looking to rebuild, contrary to the belief of some outside of the organization.
And getting a quarterback like Carr would, "make them NFC South favorites," says Closky.
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He further speculates the potential that New Orleans is posturing in their interest in Carr in an attempt to get the Buccaneers to fork over NFL Draft capital to acquire him themselves.
Doing so would prevent the Bucs from acquiring further talent in April's selection meeting, and aid NFC South teams like the Saints in trying to take over the top spot in the division.
"I actually still believe that the Buccaneers are very much in the hunt for Carr," Closky says. "I think that they're one of the top three teams I think could land Carr."
Las Vegas has no leverage to force a trade with any team, because everyone knows it can't afford to keep the quarterback beyond February 14th.
But if New Orleans can get Tampa Bay to flinch, perhaps they can get them to spend some unnecessary draft picks.
Or, maybe they're really serious, and the Bucs are close to seeing Carr with the Saints in 2023.
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