The deed is most assuredly done. And Derek Carr’s days as the Las Vegas Raiders franchise quarterback are all but over. “Derek has moved on,” said his big brother and unofficial spokesperson for Carr Incorporated, David, on the NFL Network.
Just how amicable will the split be? That remains to be seen, of course. Rumor mills are swirling that the Raiders and Derek Carr’s camp will explore a trade. This will allow DC4 to continue his career elsewhere and the Raiders to get compensation in return (ideally a draft pick).
When it comes to Derek Carr, who do we believe?
But as soon as big brother took to television to passionately defend his younger sibling, the news and innuendo began to filter out. The Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Vincent Bonsignore noted the Raiders lost faith in Carr “months ago” during his appearance on Raider Nation Radio’s Morning Tailgate on Jan. 3 (fast-forward to the 7:04 mark of the show). Something interesting to note here is that fellow beat writer Hondo Carpenter of SI.com noted on the same day Vin Man appeared on the radio that the rumors the Raiders were seeking to wash their hands clean of Carr long ago are false. So, make your inferences as you please.
The Raiders will soon be looking to make a deal…
I know this much: Both are well connected to the organization and are hearing these from boots-on-the-ground types who aren’t just throwing stuff on the dart board.
Why do I bring up “soured on”? The loss of faith may have ramifications for the rental “Carr market,” specifically trade compensation for Carr. As more is brought to light, the additional information can perhaps scuttle a higher value for the quarterback.
Nonetheless, there’s going to be a team that believes it’s “a quarterback away,” and Carr is an intriguing case. Let’s take a glimpse at potential landing spots for teams in the used Carr market:
Miami Dolphins
South Beach Carr sounds pretty interesting, no? With starter Tua Tagovailoa’s concussion history, his future as an NFL quarterback is, unfortunately for him, up in the air. Bringing in Carr gives them a big-arm signal caller who could take advantage of speedsters Tyreek Hill and Jalen Waddle. Plus, there’s a familiar face already in Miami: fullback Alec Ingold.
Washington Commanders
A reunion with Jack Del Rio in an ultra-competitive NFC East allows Carr to show if he’s got the mettle. The Commanders boast an elite wide receiver in Terry McLaurin and young defensive playmakers in Chase Young and Daron Payne. The issue at hand is the offensive line, but that wouldn’t be anything new for Carr.
New York Jets
If Carr wants to dispel the notion he suffers major shrinkage — in effectiveness — playing in cold weather, leading the J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets Jets would certainly give him the opportunity to do so. New York has seemingly whiffed on not one but two of its top three draft selections at the position in Sam Darnold and Zach Wilson. So, why not give up the draft capital for a “used Carr” here?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
How do the Raiders help themselves land Tom Brady? By sending Carr to Tampa to potentially facilitate TB12 hitting the free agent market. The Buccaneers’ offense has serious talent at wide receiver, and the team’s defense isn’t one you can scoff at either.
Houston Texans: The Raiders can help the Carr family here…
This is the team I’ve been saying Carr needs to go to; it’s his destiny. Derek must go where David used to play and rewrite the team history books with the Carr name—rid the team of the stink of David. Plus, imagine the 30 for 30 episode if Derek turns around in Houston. “What if I told you a used Carr would be better than a new Carr?”
Where should the Raiders deal Carr to? Who knows…
It’ll be intriguing to see if Carr is dealt — he does have sway with his no-trade clause — which team he lands on and what compensation is offered to Las Vegas. Whether the Raiders receive a premium draft pick (of the first- or second-round variety) or a mid-round selection, it may be that something is better than nothing.
Carr could get petty and veto any trade, accept a release, and sign with any team he pleases as a free agent. We should find out quickly who he’ll suit up for in 2023 because the Raiders have to make a decision three days after the Super Bowl before his guaranteed coin kicks in.
And I’ll leave you with this final parting shot:
What do Stone Cold Steve Austin and Derek Carr have in common? Both didn’t want to do the favors, and both went home with boo-boo faces. (Austin jobbing for Brock Lesnar; Carr being demoted.)
*Top Photo: Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images
