Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr is having one of his best seasons in the NFL.
As of writing, the 30-year-old play-caller from Fresno State is second in the league in passing yards with 3,663.
He is also fifth in average yards per completion at 8.1 and has six 300-yard passing games in 2021.
His best game was their season-opener against the Baltimore Ravens, wherein he had 435 yards and two touchdowns.
Locked in 🔒@derekcarrqb | #WASvsLV pic.twitter.com/jTEGzIxhZy
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) December 5, 2021
After Week 13, Carr has 17 touchdown passes for a 96.7 quarterback rating.
But despite putting up big numbers, there’s still a chance that the Raiders don’t see him as their franchise quarterback.
Should Las Vegas open trade talks for the eight-year veteran, these teams must engage in conversation.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
Reports are coming out that Ben Roethlisberger already informed some people within the Pittsburgh Steelers organization that the 2021 season is his last.
Pittsburgh’s quarterback rotation will be shallow with Mason Rudolph and Dwayne Haskins when that inevitable day of his retirement happens.
The Steelers are also hoping they can land Aaron Rodgers, should his contract extension talk with the Green Bay Packers falter.
Carr is also a solid option if the Steelers cannot get Rodgers.
"This game is unbelievable… Winning in front of these fans in this place is just special."
An emotional Ben Roethlisberger talks with @tracywolfson after the @steelers hard fought victory over the Ravens. pic.twitter.com/pzMXfXIQBw
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 6, 2021
Bringing him to Pittsburgh might entice JuJu Smith-Schuster to sign a long-term deal.
Aside from him, their receiving corps with Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool can impart much damage onto their opponents.
Versatile running back Najee Harris also has some touchdown receptions under his belt.
However, Roethlisberger isn’t the same quarterback, and there are throws he can’t make consistently anymore.
Therefore, Carr’s passing prowess might be the missing piece for the Steelers to become solid contenders again.
2. Cleveland Browns
Yes, the Cleveland Browns are a run-first team thanks to their terrific backfield tandem of Kareem Hunt and Nick Chubb.
But having a solid passing game will help them stretch the field easier and create more gaps for their running backs.
Unfortunately, Baker Mayfield’s struggles reveal two schools of thought.
Browns decided to cut OBJ after Week 8.
Baker Mayfield touchdowns to wide receivers since: 1
Odell Beckham touchdowns: 2— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) December 6, 2021
First, his injuries are hampering his performance.
Second, he has already reached his peak, which is not what the organization expected.
If the Browns feel that Mayfield isn’t their guy, striking a deal for Carr could be a great option.
Imagine what he can do with a wideout unit of Donovan Peoples-Jones, Anthony Schwartz, and Jarvis Landry.
1. Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos felt that Teddy Bridgewater was their solution at quarterback.
He did have some solid games, but Denver still feels they had someone better at the position.
Enter Carr.
This scenario seems impossible given how the two teams legitimately despise each other.
Likewise, the Raiders wouldn’t want to increase their agony by trading their quarterback to a division rival.
One stat that completely describes Teddy Bridgewater:
Jerry Jeudy has no touchdowns this year… #Broncos
— Denver Broncos 365 (@DailyBroncos) December 7, 2021
However, this deal may happen if the price is right.
The Broncos are downright scary if it does push through because Carr can launch long throws to Jerry Jeudy and Tim Patrick.
There’s also Courtland Sutton, whom the Broncos recently signed to a contract extension.
Such a move would put Denver as one of the favorites to win the AFC West and the entire conference.
