Ex-Raiders quarterback Derek Carr expected to sign with Saints: reports

The New Orleans Saints are closing in on a deal to sign veteran NFL quarterback Derek Carr, just weeks after the four-time Pro Bowler was released by the Las Vegas Raiders after nine seasons, according to multiple reports. 

Carr, 31, had been linked to both the Saints and New York Jets heavily in the offseason but according to ESPN, a deal with Carr and the NFC South team could be reached as early as Monday. 

Carr, who previously visited with the Saints on two occasions, is expected to sign a four-year deal, the NFL Network reported. 

DEREK CARR HAS ‘SLIGHT LEAN’ TOWARD JETS IN FREE AGENCY: REPORT

If the deal is finalized, Carr will reunite with Saints head coach Dennis Allen, who started him as a rookie with the Raiders in 2014. Their time together was short, however, with Allen lasting just four weeks that season after losing every game before he was fired. 

Carr played nine seasons for the Raiders and holds club records for yards passing (35,222) and touchdown passes (217), but never managed to win a playoff game.

He was benched the final two games of the season, partly because of his struggles on the field and partly because they would owe him the guaranteed money if he got hurt.

The Jets, who are in hot pursuit of a veteran quarterback, made a strong push for Carr and were initially reported to be the favorites. According to reports, the Jets seemingly promised that Carr could become a first ballot Hall of Famer if he were able to end their Super Bowl drought. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.