Derek Carr’s time with the Las Vegas Raiders came to a dramatic conclusion at the end of 2022.
Not only was the 31-year-old not permitted to finish the season as his team’s starting quarterback, but he was so miffed by the decision that he decided to leave the squad for the remainder of the year.
Carr took an undeniable step back during the 2022-23 NFL season. His 3,522 passing yards and 86.3 rating marked his lowest numbers since 2017. And while new head coach Josh McDaniels obviously deserves his fair share of blame for that, Carr is culpable as well.
The obvious question now is, where do Carr and the Raiders go from here?
According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, three teams are currently in the running for Carr’s services: the Washington Commanders, New York Jets and Carolina Panthers.
From @NFLGameDay: #Seahawks QB Geno Smith, a feel-good story, will be back in 2023, while the #Raiders began actively shopping QB Derek Carr this week. pic.twitter.com/2EVpXBhjyS
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 14, 2023
Some of Carr’s future is obviously tied to what Tom Brady chooses to do this summer.
Should the consensus greatest of all time opt to continue playing, there is a decent chance he will get first dibs from a lot of squads. There is currently one clear frontrunner for his services, but time will tell if anything materializes.
Carr would obviously be a huge upgrade for any one of the Commanders, Jets or Panthers.
He has gotten a bad reputation over his underwhelming performances with the Raiders on a seemingly annual basis, but he is definitely still better than Sam Howell, Mike White or whoever Carolina chooses to pretend is a starting level passer on any given Sunday.
What the Raiders hope to get for Carr will also be fascinating to watch. Obviously they started Jarrett Stidham in his stead hoping that the youngster could serve as a bridge between their old QB and the one they inevitably end up drafting sooner rather than later.
But all Stidham proved himself capable of was somehow being less impressive at Raiders games than his wife.
Brittany’s shirt speaks for itself. https://t.co/FyB28pqgwk
— Game 7 (@game7__) January 19, 2023
Las Vegas will need a hefty return for Carr in order to fill the hole his departure will leave behind.
Will any one of the Commanders, Jets and Panthers be the ones to meet their asking price?
An answer should emerge at some point in the next few months.
Related: Paige Spiranac Gets In Trouble With Country Club Over Outfit (Video)
A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
