The Las Vegas Raiders released Derek Carr on Tuesday after the quarterback declined to waive his no-trade clause. The transaction took place just a day before Wednesday’s deadline that would’ve guaranteed Carr more than $40 million for the 2023 season.
“We wish the @Raiders the best of luck. This is the tough part of this business,” Carr’s agent, Tim Younger said on Twitter. “That’s the point; it’s just business. Time now to reset for both sides. Derek chooses to hold on to many good memories and friendships, without any ill will. That’s who he is. Onward and upward.”
Only one team was interested in trading for the 31-year-old quarterback, according to ESPN. That team wanted Carr to take a pay cut. The four-time Pro Bowler met with the New Orleans Saints last week, according to ESPN.
Carr now enters free agency a month before the start of the NFL’s new league year, with teams looking to sign a veteran quarterback.
The move comes almost two years after Carr professed his loyalty to the organization.
“I’d probably quit football if I had to play for somebody else,” he said. “I am a Raider for my entire life. I’m going to root for one team for the rest of my life — it’s the Raiders.”
About a handful of teams could inquire for Carr’s services in the near future. The Washington Commanders, Carolina Panthers and Indianapolis Colts are all in need of a quality starting quarterback. The Jets, however, are a quarterback away from making a push into the postseason and could be a potential landing spot for Carr.
Gang Green’s defense finished 2022 fourth in points and yards allowed, but were hampered by quarterback issues the whole season and missed the postseason, finishing 7-10 at the bottom of the AFC East.
Zach Wilson hasn’t developed to the starter the organization hoped he would be after the team drafted him second overall in 2021. Carr’s addition could be the missing piece needed to go alongside Offensive Rookie of the Year winner Garrett Wilson and running back Breece Hall — who is on pace to play at the start of the 2023-24 season after suffering a torn ACL in the Week 7 victory against the Denver Broncos.
Since Carr was released, the Jets, or any other team, will be able to sign him before the start of the new NFL year on March 15.
The Raiders drafted Carr 36th overall in 2014. He ends his tenure with the Raiders holding a 63-79 record, starting in just one playoff game in 2021. In 2016, his best year in the league, Carr missed the Raiders’ Wild Card round matchup against the Houston Texans with a broken leg. That season, he finished third in MVP voting, throwing for 3,937 yards, 28 touchdowns and six interceptions.
Last season, the former Fresno State quarterback went 6-9, throwing for 3,522 yards, 24 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. He also completed 60.8% of his passes. Carr was benched for the final two games of the 2022 season as the Raiders opted to start Jarrett Stidham. Stidham is scheduled to test the free agent market and the team has been linked to Aaron Rodgers and Jimmy Garoppolo.
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