Breaking news, folks! The head coach carousel has been a wild one, and in a plot twist nobody saw coming, Pete Carroll—yes, that Pete Carroll, the gum-chewing, Super Bowl-winning mastermind—has officially been hired by the Las Vegas Raiders as their new head coach. At the ripe age of 73 (almost 74 by kickoff), Pete Carroll’s already leading the charge for the Raiders. But here’s the kicker: Pete now faces one of the most crucial career decisions. It’s up to him to choose the right quarterback and he already has a top candidate in mind.

“Look for that union potentially to be discussed,” Ian Rapoport, the NFL’s insider extraordinaire, teased. The rumors are flying fast and furious that Russell Wilson, a guy who’s been everywhere from Seattle to Denver and now Pittsburgh, may be making his way back to a reunion with his old coach. Carroll and Wilson were a dynamic duo back in their Seahawks days, with a Super Bowl win (hello, 2013!) and some serious dominance in the NFC. But after a little drama and a messy trade to Denver in 2022, could they be coming back together in Las Vegas?

Here’s where it gets juicy. Rapoport dropped this nugget: “Russell Wilson wanted to play for the Raiders last year, did not happen.” So, he was interested in the Raiders before but didn’t get the move he wanted. Could this finally be the time when it all aligns? One thing’s for sure, Pete’s got a big decision on his hands—no pressure, Pete. A reunion with Wilson could add some serious excitement to the Silver and Black, though.

Meanwhile, Rapoport took a moment to drop some more drama about the Jets—yes, another head coaching decision, and of course, another quarterback conundrum. Just the usual NFL circus, am I right?

Derek Carr and the Raiders: A QB situation to keep an eye On

The spotlight is now on the major quarterback controversy involving Derek Carr. The next move from the Saints QB stays unpredictable as reports indicate his departure from New Orleans is imminent. Derek Carr’s uncertain position with the Saints has drawn interest from the New York Giants according to reports. So what’s the deal?

Derek Carr was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in ’14 and became the team’s all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns before moving on to the Saints in ’23. Let’s talk numbers: Carr’s 2024 stats are pretty solid with 2,145 yards, 15 touchdowns, and a completion rate of 67.7%. Carr’s pricey contract creates financial difficulties for the Saints’ salary cap making him an exchange candidate. With the third overall selection in the draft, the Giants may not secure their desired long-term quarterback prospect, making Carr an effective temporary solution.

Carr proves his worth beyond a mere backup role because he has earned Pro Bowl honors four times. Despite his numerous accolades, he lacks the level needed to bring a struggling team to playoff contention. However, for New York, Carr’s arrival can work in their favor as he can deliver team stability without requiring a costly long-term contract. The key development is that Derek Carr has refused to accept a pay cut. So, the Saints now face a financial dilemma.

Since Carr’s salary is a big obstacle. So, a trade seems to be in the cards. Could the Giants land him? They’ve got the need, and Carr’s got the experience. But with cap constraints, how much would New Orleans be willing to take for him? Buckle up because this one’s just getting started. Now, Carr’s had a rough patch too—injuries, including a hand injury and a concussion that have kept him sidelined for some games. It’s clear the Saints need stability, and whether or not Carr stays will be a decision for the future of the franchise. But don’t count him out just yet. With his four-year, $150 million contract still in play, the Saints could either trade him away or make him their cornerstone piece for 2025—assuming they can work out the cap mess.

But hey, as Rapoport reminded us, the Jets’ coaching carousel isn’t the only one spinning this offseason. Carr’s future? Well, that’s going to be another major storyline in the months to come. It’s the NFL, after all, where you never know what’s coming next!