The Las Vegas Raiders made the decision to move on from quarterback Derek Carr, planning to cut ties with one of the best passers in franchise history and join a crowded 2023 quarterback market.
Las Vegas remains focused on trading Carr, finding a partner willing to absorb his contract and a team he will waive his no-trade clause for. While a deal seemed unlikely a few weeks ago, the Raiders may now be in a position to execute the first blockbuster trade of the 2023 NFL offseason.
Related: Derek Carr hints at a desire to reveal ‘whole truth’ from 2022 season
The franchise is operating on a limited window to deal Carr. If he is still on the Raiders’ roster by Feb. 16, he is owed $40 million guaranteed in his contract. Previously, reports indicate that Carr would be released with no team willing to absorb his cap hit. However, teams desperate for stability at quarterback have reportedly changed the likely outcome.
- Derek Carr contract: $34.875 million cap hit (2023), $43.875 million cap hit (2024)
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on “Postseason NFL Countdown” that Carr is expected to be traded, with Las Vegas anticipating a deal to happen earlier rather than later.
Related: Why Las Vegas Raiders salary cap could lead to quick turnaround
While Schefter didn’t provide specifics, Las Vegas might need to cover a portion of Carr’s salary. Barring a restructured contract, his $34.875 million cap charge in 2023 would make him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL.
There are likely a number of interested suitors for Carr. While the Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers are focused on franchise-caliber passers, teams like the Washington Commanders, Tennessee Titans, New York Jets and New Orleans Saints simply want stability at the position.
It’s important to evaluate Carr with proper context. While he’s not a top-10 quarterback in the NFL, he is an above-average starter in the right environment. He is better playing indoors, with a checkered history in December (85.1 QB rating in December) that makes him a better fit for a team like the Saints.
- Derek Carr stats (2022): 3,522 pass yards, 24-14 TD-INT, 60.8% completion rate
As for the compensation, the best-case scenario for Las Vegas would be a Day 2 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Teams know that Las Vegas is working against the clock and altering Carr’s contract to extend that deadline is unlikely.
Any trade made will be unofficial, with deals not processed until the 2023 NFL year begins on March 15. However, Las Vegas would have an agreement in place long before then and it can then focus on finding its next quarterback.
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