Media by Associated Press – FILE – Derek Carr (4) of the Las Vegas Raiders competes in the Precision Passing event during the Pro Bowl Games skills events, Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023, in Henderson, Nev. The Carolina Panthers will meet with free agent quarterback Derek Carr this week at the NFL scouting combines in Indianapolis, according to a person familiar with the situation. The person spoke to The Associated Press on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023, on condition of anonymity because the team doesn’t announce its meetings with free agents. (Gregory Payan/AP Images for NFL)
The NFL has a number of players who are likely to end up on different franchises for the upcoming season for a variety of reasons. While many players who are free agents will end up being tagged on the franchise tag, there are some that will depart for greener pastures elsewhere.
Here’s a look at four players who will be moving on.
Derek Carr, Quarterback
Carr, who spent nine seasons with the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders, had his career with the franchise that drafted him cut unceremoniously short last season. Las Vegas pulled him before the end of last season and ended up granting him free agency. Carr made the Pro Bowl during four of his seasons with the Raiders.
Carr has a 63-79 record as a quarterback and has passed for 35, 222 passing yards. He also tossed 217 passing touchdowns and 99 interceptions. He has passed for more than 4,000 yards in four of the past five seasons. Carr should be able to step in and start right away for any team interested in him.
Odell Beckham Jr., Wide Receiver
Beckham helped the Rams win the Super Bowl two seasons ago, but suffered an ACL injury in the big game and didn’t return last season. After an entire year off, Beckham is now available for any team seeking help at wide receiver. Beckham hasn’t had a 1,000-yard season since 2019 when he caught 74 passes for 1,035 yards with the Cleveland Browns.
Beckham, however, was productive with the Los Angeles Rams during his half a season stint there before getting injured. Any team searching for a veteran receiver could benefit from what Beckham brings to the table.
Jakobi Meyers, Wide Receiver
Meyers has been part of a tumultuous part of the New England Patriots’ history. With the team still searching for a replacement for Tom Brady at quarterback, the offense has gone through some major growing pains. Meyers had his most productive season in New England last season.
He finished with a career-high six touchdown catches and had a career-long 48-yard catch last season. During his four seasons in New England, Meyers has caught 235 passes for 2,758 yards.
JuJu Smith-Schuster, Wide Receiver
Smith-Schuster took a one-year deal with Kansas City last season with the idea that he was going to pursue a bigger deal after proving himself. Smith-Schuster, who had a career-high 1,426 yards receiving in 2018 with Pittsburgh, saw a revitalized performance after joining up with Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
During Kansas City’s Super Bowl season, Smith-Schuster hauled in 78 passed for 933 yards and scored three touchdowns. Smith-Schuster may be searching for a role in the offseason where he can be the No. 1 guy after being the No. 2 last season in Kansas City. Smith-Schuster is only 26 and has played six seasons in the NFL, so he doesn’t have to be wordy about a concern with age.
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