The recent developments surrounding Derek Carr’s shoulder injury have sparked significant conversation in NFL circles. Initially perceived as a straightforward setback, insights from NFL insider Dianna Russini have suggested that this injury narrative might be more strategic than it appears. According to Russini, conversations with various industry professionals reveal skepticism about the seriousness of Carr’s condition. Instead, many believe this could be a calculated move by Carr’s camp to position him favorably in the wake of the New Orleans Saints’ interest in drafting a quarterback, clearly indicating he isn’t seeking to settle into a bridge quarterback role.
The implications of this situation are quite thought-provoking. If Carr is indeed being positioned as trade bait, the Saints may soon be exploring options to move him, opening the door for a potential deal with a team eager for a reliable starter. One team to keep an eye on is the Cleveland Browns, who find themselves in a precarious quarterback situation.
With Deshaun Watson still working his way back from a significant injury and facing setbacks during the recovery process, the Browns are in a tricky spot. The franchise acknowledged past miscalculations in their pursuit of Watson, and with a glaring need to reestablish stability at the quarterback position, the time to act is now.
While the Browns could consider young prospects like Shedeur Sanders in the upcoming NFL Draft, this year’s pool may not offer the immediate solution they are desperately seeking. Currently, with Kenny Pickett as their only viable option for the coming season, the Browns may find themselves between a rock and a hard place.
That brings us back to Carr. Although his 2024 season didn’t shine compared to the stellar years he’s had in the past, where he threw for over 5,100 yards and 24 touchdowns in 2021, his performance in the last season certainly showcased his capability with 2,145 yards, 15 touchdowns, and only five interceptions. While the narrative about Carr possibly reaching his peak might sound concerning for a team looking for a franchise quarterback, for the Browns, it might not be the worst scenario.
Carr is particularly suited for a play-action-heavy offense, which is precisely what the Browns run. His past success under similar schemes, with an impressive PFF grade of 92.5 on play-action plays, reflects how he can thrive in that setup. Additionally, the familiarity with Bill Musgrave, the Browns’ new offensive coordinator who previously coached Carr during his time with the Raiders, adds another layer of synergy that could be beneficial.
Ultimately, if the Browns decide to pull the trigger on a deal for Carr, they could be gaining a starting-caliber quarterback who may just need a change of scenery to resurrect the form that made him one of the more coveted quarterbacks in the league not so long ago. While this may not represent the ultimate solution, it certainly provides a pathway to stability as the organization navigates its quest for a sustained quarterback option. Keep an eye on this developing story, as the NFL landscape can change rapidly when trades and injuries collide.
