Since he was drafted in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft, Derek Carr has been the starting quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders. The Fresno State product has been through a lot during his time with the franchise, but it became clear that the Raiders had decided to move on from Carr near the end of this season, choosing to bench him in the team’s final two games.
Carr was the leader of this Raiders team, and regardless of his performance, one thing that can not be argued is that he gave his all for the team and fans every time he stepped on the field. With a separation all but certain, Carr took to Instagram to say goodbye to Raiders fans everywhere:
It breaks my heart I didn’t get an opportunity to say goodbye in person. We certainly have been on a roller coaster in our 9 years together. From the bottom of my heart, I am so grateful and appreciative of the years of support you gave to my family and me. We had our share of both heart breaking moments and thrilling game winning drives, and it always felt like you were there next to me.
It’s especially hard to say goodbye because I can honestly say that I gave you everything I had, every single day, in season, and in the off season. It certainly wasn’t perfect, but I hope that I was able to leave you with more than a few great memories as Raider fans.
Carr had previously said in 2021 that he would rather quit football than not be a member of the Raiders, and he also referenced that statement in his social media post:
I once said that if I’m not a Raider I would rather be at home and I meant that, but I never envisioned it ending this way. That fire burning inside of me to win a championship still rages. A fire no man can extinguish; only God. So I look forward to a new city and a new team who, no matter the circumstance, will get everything I have. Winning a championship is what I’ve always wanted and what I will continue to work towards.
The Raiders are expected to explore a trade for Carr, but with a deadline approaching when his guaranteed money kicks in and the rest of the league knowing they are ready to move on, it would seem unlikely that a deal will be found and Carr will almost definitely be hitting the market as a free agent.
The quarterback market could be deep, with Lamar Jackson, Tom Brady, and Jimmy Garoppolo potentially hitting the market. But wherever Carr winds up, that franchise will get everything he has.
