Derek Carr news and rumors: Raiders give clearest indication yet of moving on from $40.4M QB
Derek Carr's time with the Las Vegas Raiders seems to be coming to an end. The 2014 second-round pick has been the starting quarterback for the team for the last nine seasons, but it seems like the team may be ready for a change.
There has been much speculation during the season that the team will likely move on from him and explore trade options in the off-season.
The team even benched Carr after his poor Week 16 performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers for backup Jarrett Stidham.
NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport all but confirmed the Raiders' plans for Carr this off-season. He tweeted that the Raiders will begin the process of evaluating the trade market for Derek Carr as they prepare to move on from him this off-season.
Rapoport Tweeted:
"Sources: The #Raiders will begin the process of evaluating the trade market for QB Derek Carr, as they prepare for a decision on their QB for the future. This points to the possibility of Carr, who holds a no-trade clause and will be part of the process, leaving the organization."
Sources: The #Raiders will begin the process of evaluating the trade market for QB Derek Carr, as they prepare for a decision on their QB for the future. This points to the possibility of Carr, who holds a no-trade clause and will be part of the process, leaving the organization. https://t.co/zvZvGv8cQ5
Rapoport then clarified the details of how the Raiders wouldn't owe Carr the $40.4 million he's due before Feb. 15th if they are able to trade him. A trade would need to occur before then for the team to not owe him $40.4 million.
Time is of the essence, which is why the #Raiders are starting now. There is a firm deadline of Feb 15. At that point, Carr's $40.4M in salary over the next two seasons becomes fully guaranteed. Any decision on a possible trade would come before then. twitter.com/RapSheet/statu…
During his time with the Raiders, Derek Carr earned three straight Pro Bowl trips (2015-2017) and two playoff appearances with the team. He's thrown for 35,222 yards, scored 217 touchdowns, made 99 interceptions, and has run for 845 yards and six touchdowns.
Shortly after Rapoport's news, Carr issued a farewell statement to Raiders Nation on Twitter.
☠️ https://t.co/fuSOAWkwk8
With Derek Carr expected to exit, who will be the Raiders' quarterback in 2023?
While the Raiders are preparing to move on from Carr, they will make a big decision this off-season in deciding who will be under center for them for the 2023-2024 season.
Tom Brady and Mac Jones are two possible options since they are familiar with playing with the Raiders' head coach, Josh McDaniels. There were also rumors of Brady potentially joining the Raiders before the start of the season before he decided to stay with Tampa Bay.
Jimmy Garoppolo is another name that would make sense as he has also been under McDaniels before as a backup in New England.
The Raiders could stick with Stidham, who threw for 656 yards and four touchdowns, with a passer rating of 89.2 in the two games he started.
Las Vegas could also use a draft pick to select a rookie quarterback, all we know is they have many options and a lot to explore.
If you use any of the above quotes, please credit Ian Rapoport and H/T Sportskeeda