Brandon

Carr

A longtime workhorse, Carr had been lightly used for the Cowboys’ sieve-like defense, contributing 21 snaps in four games. It is possible the ‘Boys will look to stash 34-year-old Carr back on the practice squad under this year’s COVID rules.

The Cowboys had a number of roster spots open up after placing players on injured reserve, and Carr was by far the most experienced player on the practice squad. It would not be surprising if Carr spent the rest of the year on the 53-man roster.

With COVID-19, veterans are now allowed to sign to practice squads. 34-year-old Carr amazingly hasn’t missed a game in his 12-year career and has started all 192 games in that span. That streak will likely end this season, however. Carr spent five years with Dallas from 2012-2016 before a three-year stint in Baltimore.

Carr went unsigned after Baltimore declined his option in March. He’s coming off a down 2019, but Carr is one of the top corners available. Carr could be a fit in Dallas, where he played for five seasons. Chidobe Awuzie and Jourdan Lewis — the Cowboys’ projected Week 1 starters — have missed camp time with injuries.

The move clears $6 million in cap space for Baltimore. Carr will turn 34 in May and played 397 snaps last season, receiving poor marks from Pro Football Focus. Carr has hung around for a while, but his time is running out in the NFL. Baltimore moves forward with CBs Marcus Peters and Marlon Humphrey for the time being.

ESPN’s Jamison Hensley also suggested Carr could be cut this offseason. The 33-year-old is due a $7 million team option for 2020, potentially freeing up $6 million in cap space if Baltimore decides to move on. Teammates S Tony Jefferson ($7 million in cap savings) and OT James Hurst ($2.75 million) are also speculated to be on the chopping block. Carr has astonishingly started in 197 consecutive games since entering the league in 2008, and would undoubtedly land elsewhere as a veteran starter if his services are made available.

The numbers reported by NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora are $19.6 million with a $4 million signing bonus. It’s starter money, and makes it likely that the Chiefs will let free agent CB Brandon Carr break the bank on the open market. Expect Dwayne Bowe to get the franchise tag. Routt, who turns 29 before the season, is a press-man corner and fits Romeo Crennel’s scheme. While he allowed too many touchdown passes (8) and committed too many penalties (17) last year, Routt posted career highs in interceptions (4) and pass breakups (15). Pro Football Focus graded Routt as the NFL’s 19th-best corner in terms of coverage. While Carr will command more money, PFF had him 21st.

Routt has been greeted by a soft market, but would be landing on his feet in Kansas City, where he would get to play in a system similar to the one in Oakland. Routt’s signing would likely signal the end of free agent Brandon Carr’s time with the Chiefs.

The Ravens may have to face some harsh financial realities this offseason and one of those tough decisions could involve Carr. Per Hensley, his release would save Baltimore up to $6 million in cap space. Teammates S Tony Jefferson ($7 million in cap savings) and OT James Hurst ($2.75 million) find themselves in similar positions. Carr seemed to acknowledge this possibility in his remarks following Saturday’s season-ending loss to Tennessee, noting “the ball is in the Ravens’ court.” “It’s been an amazing three years,” said Carr, reflecting on his time with Baltimore. “We’ll see what happens.” Including the playoffs, Carr has played and started in a remarkable 197 consecutive games since arriving as an unheralded fifth-round pick in 2008.

This has been the expectation all offseason. The option comes with a $1.5 million roster bonus, and Carr will make $4.5 million in base salary this year. With Carr back, it is likely the Ravens send Jimmy Smith packing.