Will Raiders cut Derek Carr? NFL exec floats possibility with $40.4M hit a concern
The Las Vegas Raiders have made no secret of their desire to move Derek Carr, but the team has not yet permitted the quarterback to explore trades. Carr is also playing in the Pro Bowl, which has some people worried because if he gets hurt, the team will be required to trigger his $40.4 million guarantee early.
One NFL executive has suggested that the Raiders might consider cutting Carr before incurring the cap cost if he is injured while representing them.
As per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler:
"A league exec openly wondered this week whether the Raiders would cut Derek Carr before he participates in the Pro Bowl flag football game Sunday, since an injury there could trigger his $40.4 million guarantee early."
It is unknown what the Las Vegas Raiders will do with Derek Carr as it seems like the franchise hasn't made up its mind about their quarterback's replacement.
The Las Vegas Raiders have a busy offseason ahead of them, and they need to address Carr's situation swiftly or risk taking his cap hit if they don't find a way to part ways with him.
It would be a surprise if the Raiders cut Carr, as he could have decent trade value. The Pro Bowl Games are not going to be the most rigorous or dangerous of events, so an injury seems unlikely and would be incredibly unfortunate.
That said, you just never know with NFL franchises.
Could a Derek Carr release be coming?
"A league exec openly wondered this week whether the Raiders would cut Derek Carr before he participates in the Pro Bowl flag football game Sunday, since an injury there could trigger his $40.4 million guarantee early." - via @JFowlerESPN https://t.co/NucwXSVent
Which quarterback could replace Derek Carr in Las Vegas?
If Derek Carr leaves the franchise, which looks likely, the Raiders will need to address that position immediately or risk upsetting their veteran players.
Tom Brady was thought to be the Raiders' top target, but his retirement announcement has put the team in a difficult position. Davante Adams, their standout wide receiver, has already begun recruiting Aaron Rodgers, and the Packers quarterback looks to be the best option for them.
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However, obtaining Rodgers will be difficult as he will also be pursued by the New York Jets. If the Raiders want Rodgers at any cost next season, it will be expensive. The seventh-overall pick along with more draft capital might be required to entice the Green Bay Packers to trade their legendary quarterback to Las Vegas.
If the Raiders do not land Rodgers, they still have the seventh pick in the 2023 NFL draft, which they can use to select a quarterback like Will Levis (if he is still available).
Several quarterbacks could be on the move this offseason and it will be interesting to see what the Raiders do in the coming months. As head coach Josh McDaniels has a lot of questions to answer next season, his job may very well depend on this.