2023 NFL offseason: Pairing quarterbacks with the best possible situations

4. Derek Carr should become an Atlanta Falcon

Somehow, Derek Carr was blamed for the Las Vegas Raiders’ inability to make the playoffs. Josh McDaniels benched Carr toward the end of the season, ending the Carr era with the Raiders. At the time of this article, Carr hadn’t been granted a release, but the Falcons should be at the top of his list of teams to sign with. Likewise, the Falcons shouldn’t shy away from offering Carr a contract for three to four years.

One of the main reasons Carr and the Falcons work well together is the leadership he brings to the team. Controversy hung over the Raiders franchise during Gruden’s last year as a head coach. Carr showed poise and the ability to lead his team after Gruden was fired. The result saw the Raiders make the playoffs under interim head coach Rich Bisaccia.

Carr is the ideal quarterback for Arthur Smith. The former Fresno State signal-caller has good in-pocket mobility that Smith likes. He can move the pocket and use Carr on bootlegs. Since Smith runs a heavy dose of play-action, Carr’s arm strength and deep ball accuracy will maximize the playbook.

As for Carr, he’ll have ideal weapons at his disposal in Drake London and Kyle Pitts. The Falcons hold the No. 8 pick that they can use on the offensive line. They also have a ton of cap space to build a team ready to compete for the NFC South title sooner rather than later.