The Derek Carr era in Las Vegas is all but over.
The Las Vegas Raiders quarterback issued a statement on Thursday that seemed tantamount to him leaving the team, as they have moved on and promoted Jarrett Stidham to QB1.
Reportedly, they will try to trade Carr in order to get something in return for him, but if they’re unable to do so, they may cut him by February 15.
If he is traded rather than released, another team would have to be willing to take on his huge contract, one that his play this year and his playoff performances over the years simply don’t justify.
If a team were to trade for Derek Carr, here is what it would owe him on his current deal:
2023: $32.9M base salary + $100K workout bonus = $33M cap hit
2024: $41.9M base salary + $100K workout bonus = $42M cap hit
2025: $41.2M base salary + $100K workout bonus = $41.3M cap hit— Field Yates (@FieldYates) January 12, 2023
Still, these two teams could really use him.
1. New York Jets
Just about everyone knows the Jets are looking for a capable quarterback, especially after Zach Wilson hasn’t panned out.
They started four different players under center this year, and their owner, Woody Johnson, has publicly said he is willing to spend for the right signal-caller.
Perhaps Jimmy Garoppolo would be a better option, as he will be a free agent and knows head coach Robert Saleh from his days as the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive coordinator.
But Garoppolo could have several teams bidding for his services (assuming the 49ers don’t keep him), which would make Carr a nice second option, if Garoppolo is indeed New York’s first option.
2. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts have had a game of musical chairs at the QB position ever since Andrew Luck abruptly retired after the 2018 season.
Veteran Matt Ryan, whom they traded for in the offseason, didn’t work out, and neither did Carson Wentz, Philip Rivers or Jacoby Brissett.
Indianapolis has Jonathan Taylor, one of the game’s best running backs when healthy, as well as Michael Pittman Jr., a solid wide receiver.
If Carr returns to the Pro Bowl level of play he used to be at, perhaps he could get the Colts back to the playoffs.
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