Matt Johnson
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr can now speak with NFL teams interested in acquiring him, as long as they agreed to the compensation required to land him from the franchise.
Carr, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, played his final snap for the Raiders in Week 15. Following a 13-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Dec. 24, Carr was benched and the franchise entered the offseason planning to find a new starting quarterback.
- Derek Carr stats (2022): 86.3 QB rating, 24-14 TD-INT, 60.8% completion rate
While multiple NFL teams are interested in Carr, Las Vegas is operating within tight parameters to make a trade. If he is still on the roster by Feb. 15, his $32.9 million base salary next year and $7.9 million owed in 2024 become fully guaranteed.
Related: Las Vegas Raiders shifting focus to Aaron Rodgers
With general managers around the league aware of the key date, the Raiders lose leverage in potential negotiations. Carr also holds a no-trade clause and stated on Thursday that he won’t alter his contract to provide the franchise with a later deadline.
After first playing hardball with their long-time quarterback, general manager Dave Ziegler has reportedly taken the critical step that could accelerate the process towards a deal before Feb. 15.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Raiders have permitted Carr to speak with NFL teams interested in him that have agreed to trade compensation with Las Vegas. As the NFL insider notes, the Houston Texans did this in 2022 before trading Deshaun Watson.
Related: NFL trade rumors
The authorization from the Raiders’ front office is critical. Because of Carr’s leverage in this situation, he can dictate where he is traded and if he is even dealt. Now cleared to speak with interest teams approved by the Raiders, Carr can determine if the teams who have a deal in place with Las Vegas are a good fit for him.
The New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons have all been mentioned as potential landing spots for Carr. While there are no definitive reports on the Raiders’ asking price in a deal, the estimated return will likely be a Day 2 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Related: NFL insider highlights three teams likely to pursue Derek Carr
While the Raiders’ approach increases the likelihood of a trade, it’s still not a guarantee. Carr might determine the NFL teams Las Vegas cleared him to speak with aren’t a fit, thus allowing him to force the Raiders to release him.
