Who is the Raiders’ starting QB tonight vs Chiefs? Week 18 update on Las Vegas’ QB ladder amidst Derek Carr uncertainty
The Las Vegas Raiders will be wrapping up their regular season in Week 18 by hosting Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. It has been a down season for Las Vegas, who are entering the game with a record of 6-10.
The question facing them currently is - who will start under center for the Raiders? All signs point to Jarrett Stidham getting his second straight start over Derek Carr, who was benched by head coach Josh McDaniels.
Carr inked a three-year, $121.5 million contract extension last April, but he could be released for a salary-cap hit of $5.625 million if he's released within 72 hours of the Super Bowl. His $32.9 million salary for this year and $7.5 million of his 2024 salary would be fully guaranteed, should he get hurt.
Sources told ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler that Las Vegas sat Carr out partly to preserve his health and keep their choices open this offseason. This includes possibly trading Carr. The sources did note that the option for Carr to return next season is still likely.
Carr was drafted by the Raiders in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft and is the franchise's leader in passing yards (35,222 yards) and touchdowns (217). The three-time Pro Bowler has thrown for 3,522 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions this season, tied for the most in the league.
The likelihood of Derek Carr staying with the Las Vegas Raiders beyond this season
Derek Carr and his salary of $32.9 million signaled that the Raiders are likely to move on from the nine-year veteran. He's started 142 games for the franchise but it seems McDaniels going with Stidham is about looking to the future. McDaniels even commented on Carr being benched in favor of Jarrett Stidham.
"None of us is happy with where we're at, but we think it's an opportunity to evaluate a younger player who hasn't had much time to play. Derek was great. He understands the scenario that we're in and the situation and is very supportive of the two young guys. He'll do anything he can to help them."
If fans have seen the last of Carr in a Las Vegas Raiders uniform, there are teams looking to upgrade to a quarterback who could use his services. One team is the Indianapolis Colts, who've had a revolving door at the position, starting three this season.
Another destination could be the New York Jets, but head coach Robert Saleh all but endorsed Zach Wilson to start next season. Nonetheless, we'll see where the former Fresno State star lands this upcoming offseason.
If you use any of the above quotes, please credit ESPN and H/T Sportskeeda.