Raiders make Derek Carr release official ahead of deadline: Where will he sign?
It's official.
The Las Vegas Raiders informed Derek Carr on Tuesday that they have released him. Carr's agent Tim Younger confirmed the news in a statement.
"We wish the Raiders the best of luck," the statement reads. "This is the tough part of this business. That’s the point; it’s just business. Time now to reset for both sides. Derek chooses to hold on to many good memories and friendships, without any ill will. That’s who he is. Onward and upward."
The transaction took place ahead of a Tuesday deadline that would have guaranteed Carr's $32.9 million salary next season and $7.5 million in 2024. Carr now becomes a coveted target for quarterback-needy teams including the New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers and New York Jets.
The transaction has been anticipated since the Raiders announced in December that Carr would not play during the last two weeks of the regular season. They did so after a Week 16 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers that all but eliminated them from the playoffs. An injury to Carr would have guaranteed his contract next season, a risk the Raiders weren't willing to take as they intended to release him.
The move signals the end of a Raiders era that saw Carr start all but four regular-season games for the franchise since it drafted him in 2014. The Raiders made the decision at the end of the first season under general manager Dave Ziegler and head coach Josh McDaniels. Both will face pressure next season to produce with a new quarterback after a season that started with playoff hopes finished with a 6-11 record.
Carr made three Pro Bowls early in his career, but the Raiders made the playoffs just twice with Carr at quarterback and are still seeking their first playoff win since advancing to the Super Bowl in the 2002 season.
It's not clear how the Raiders intend to proceed to address their need at a position that's been stable for nine seasons. Fourth-year pro Jarrett Stidham is next up on the depth chart and projects as an NFL backup. He's also slated to become a free agent at the start of the new NFL calendar year on March 15.
Where will Carr sign?
Carr will have a number of suitors and has reportedly already visited with the Saints, who presumably would like to upgrade at the position after Andy Dalton and Jameis Winston split time at quarterback in 2022. Carr met with New Orleans last week after the Raiders granted the Saints permission with the possibility of a trade still on the table. But Carr reportedly enacted his no-trade clause, hastening Tuesday's decision by the Raiders to release him.
The Panthers will get a fresh start in 2023 under Frank Reich after the end of the Matt Rhule era that concluded with Steve Wilks finishing the season as interim head coach. They had a rotating cast of quarterbacks in 2023 that featured Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold and P.J. Tucker.
The Jets likewise are on the market for a quarterback after repeatedly benching second-year pro Zach Wilson, who regressed in his second season after being selected second overall in the 2021 draft. With a top-5 defense and rising young talent like NFL Rookies of the Year Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner, the Jets are likely to target a veteran like Carr who can help them win now rather than look to develop yet another rookie quarterback.
