The partnership between the Las Vegas Raiders and quarterback Derek Carr will end this offseason. The team chose to bench Carr for the final two games of the season, and the two sides agreed for Carr to be away from the Raiders during that time.
The expectation is for the Raiders to release Carr before the guaranteed date for his extension kicks in. If the Raiders release Carr before then, it will cost them just $5.6 million as opposed to $40 million, but there is also the option of a trade.
The Raiders could technically agree to deal Carr to another team, and the franchise is expected to begin the process of exploring the trade market for their former starting quarterback, according to Ian Rapaport of NFL Network:
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. pic.twitter.com/zvZvGv8cQ5
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 12, 2023
The struggle for the Raiders will be finding a team willing to give up something for the right to pay Carr $40 million next season, with that team also being one Carr is interested in as he holds that no-trade clause and thus can control where he winds up.
The Raiders have until February 15 to release Carr or agree to a trade. Since trades can’t become official until March 15, the team acquiring Carr would also agree to pay him that big money. But since the entire league knows the Raiders must release Carr before that date, it would make sense for any interested team to wait until then and sign him for what will surely be less than that $40 million.
But the Raiders must explore all options, so trying to make a deal that makes sense for both the franchise and Carr is them simply doing their due diligence.
Tom Brady, Jimmy Garoppolo, Aaron Rodgers viewed as Raiders QB possibilities next season
As for who could be under center for the Raiders next season, some names are expected to be available this offseason who could be exactly what the franchise is looking for.
As far as free agents, Tom Brady and Jimmy Garoppolo are both viewed as possibilities for the Raiders, with both being familiar with head coach Josh McDaniels’ system. Brady’s success is well known, but Garoppolo has also had his share of playoff success and has led a team to the Super Bowl.
Another possibility via trade could be Packers star Aaron Rodgers which would reunite him with receiver Davante Adams. Though his future is unknown as well, with some speculating, he could choose to retire.
