Cam Jordan and Sauce Gardner put on their recruiting hats to rope in Derek Carr
Former Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr was informed on Tuesday of his release from the team in an expected move.
Raiders officially informed QB Derek Carr that he has been released, per source. Team released him before $40.4 million in his contract became guaranteed today.
Carr is now a free agent and is expected to draw interest from the Saints and Panthers, amongst others. https://t.co/X2v6pDecqP
Once the season ended, the Raiders started their search for their next franchise quarterback and informed Carr that they would be moving on from him.
The team tried to trade the veteran quarterback, but he didn't allow that to happen. The team owed him a $40 million roster bonus after Wednesday, and his contract had a no-trade clause. They will save $29.25 million this season toward their cap space with the release.
Releasing Derek Carr clears $29.25M in 2023 cap space for the Raiders, who are now in the neighborhood of $50M to work with this offseason.
After not being able to trade the QB and get any compenation on return, the team released him so they wouldn't have to pay him the $40 million he would have been owed.
Carr is now an unrestricted free agent who can negotiate with teams now and sign with a team whenever. This gives him an advantage in free agency as he can negotiate before any other QB.
Following his release, players from QB-needy teams have begun their recruiting to try and get Carr to sign with their teams.
New Orleans Saints defensive lineman Cameron Jordan and New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner tweeted at Carr, pitching their teams.
"I know I said adios to social media but @derekcarrqb I know it may be too soon but it’s also Valentine’s Day are you are you trynna swap out black and silver and fall in luv with BLACK & GOLD?" Jordan tweeted.
🫶I know I said adios to social media but @derekcarrqb I know it may be too soon but it’s also Valentine’s Day are you are you trynna swap out black and silver and fall in luv with BLACK & GOLD? 😅🫶
"Aye @derekcarrqb you remember your last words before I left the ProBowl ? No need for a response; I’m just asking," Gardner tweeted.
Aye @derekcarrqb, you remember your last words before I left the ProBowl ? No need for a response; I’m just asking😂
Derek Carr had two meetings with the New Orleans Saints, but no trade was finalized
Before being released by the Raiders, Carr had interest from the New Orleans Saints.
The team requested to meet with Carr to get approval from the Raiders. Carr returned to the team for a second meeting, and a trade seemed inevitable at the time.
Nothing came to fruition, however, as there were conflicts regarding Carr's current contract. Nevertheless, the Raiders released Carr as he would not agree to a trade and he became an unrestricted free agent.
There is still interest between the team and Carr but he will be free to negotiate with any team.
If you use any of the above quotes, please credit Cameron Jordan, Sauce Gardner, and H/T Sportskeeda.