Losing often brings out the worst in terms of coverage for a sports team. Right now, the Las Vegas Raiders and their frustrated signal-caller Derek Carr sit at 2-7. It’s far from where this team was during training camp, with sky-high expectations. As a result, much speculation, conjecture, and “rumors” have begun to prop up recently regarding Carr’s future. Most recently, ESPN’s Dan Graziano added fuel to the fire.
In a story originally posted behind ESPN’s paywall premium service, ESPN+, Graziano elaborated on his thoughts regarding the Raiders. In particular, Graziana mentioned that the Raiders could cut bait and move on from Carr after this season, considering how everything’s gone.
“What’s really interesting is the likelihood that quarterback Derek Carr, not McDaniels, takes the fall for this. Remember the “contract extension” Carr signed last offseason? Yeah, well, it really wasn’t. Carr has no guaranteed money left on his deal after this season, and because the Raiders don’t like to put signing bonuses in their deals, Carr got a comparatively small signing bonus of $7.5 million. That means the Raiders could cut Carr after the season and carry a dead money charge of only $5.625 million next year. As of now, the Raiders would have the No. 2 overall pick in the draft, which means McDaniels might have a chance to pick one of the top quarterbacks in next year’s draft class and build a team around him.”
Would the Raiders really cut Derek Carr?
Graziano almost mentions that the Raiders could sign Tom Brady instead this offseason. As you can imagine, that’s not going over well with Raider Nation. As far as cutting Carr, it doesn’t make sense for a litany of reasons. Most people are aware the team can walk away from Carr with the way his contract is structured. But to do it for strictly financial reasons? If McDaniels and Co. are actually moving on, a trade makes more sense as it would involve receiving some compensation (draft capital). Regardless, Raiders fans were quick to react to this latest gossip.
After 9 years, he sure ain’t the solution.
— Pete Mitchell 🇺🇲 ☠ï¸2-7 (@BlackTopGunMav) November 19, 2022
First they aren’t going to Fire McDaniels bc they can’t afford to. Now they gotta release D. Carr to avoid paying him. Vegas sounds strapped for cash.
— Bryan Babbo (@BBabbo21) November 19, 2022
Wouldn’t be surprised, release Carr to avoid paying him might give you enough to fire McDaniels and maybe get a QB in the draft depending on where you pick?
— Bomb (@Bomborama2) November 19, 2022
Wow good thing McDumbass traded a 1 & 2 round pick for a 29 year old receiver. Hey can you take Chandler Jones with you. McDumbass & Zagnut are embarrassing
— PutmeinCoach (@PutmeinCoach00) November 19, 2022
*Top Photo: USA Today