The days of Derek Carr wearing a Las Vegas Raiders jersey are over following the 2022 season, as the team looks to now move forward. The former Fresno State star had been with the club since being chosen in the second round of the NFL Draft in 2014.
Derek Carr via Raiders YouTube
So at just 31 years of age, a player who’s supposed to be considered a franchise quarterback is in search of a new team.
During his time with the Raiders, the gunslinger was certainly no slouch. He amassed 35,222 yards along with 217 touchdowns and 99 interceptions in nine seasons. Carr was selected to four Pro Bowls in that span, but unfortunately found no postseason success with the Silver and Black. He has an all-time playoff record of 0-1 as a starter.
Now, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport is reporting that Carr is scheduled to meet with the New Orleans Saints on Wednesday. This will mark his first meeting with another organization, and he definitely has the Raiders’ blessing.
There is reportedly a mutual understanding between the parties involved that the franchise will be moving on from the 31-year-old Carr.
Ian Rapoport Twitter
The Saints could represent an intriguing new chapter in Derek Carr’s career.
Since the departure of Drew Brees in 2021, New Orleans has been in search of a solid signal-caller. Despite taking on former Heisman Trophy winner and Tampa Bay Buccaneer Jameis Winston, they haven’t been able to replace his numbers. Taysom Hill and Andy Dalton didn’t do much to help the situation either. And even beyond the numbers, there’s clearly a huge leadership void from losing the only quarterback to lead a Super Bowl victory parade down Bourbon Street.
Derek Carr via Raiders YouTube
Several teams, including the Carolina Panthers, New York Jets, and Washington Commanders have already shown interest in Carr. With the retirement of Tom Brady, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are rumored to now be in the mix as well.
Whoever looks to add Derek Carr to their lineup will have to orchestrate a trade for the veteran, as he is still technically under contract with Las Vegas. The Raiders are said to be seeking a potential number-one pick in a swap, so that would make the Saints a solid fit as a possible suitor. The Saints currently hold the 29th overall selection in the upcoming BFL Draft.
Derek Carr via NFL YouTube
Any team that acquires Carr must also account for the $40.4 million that his contract guarantees. The Raiders will have to pay that guarantee if the QB isn’t moved by the deadline.
So, Las Vegas must decide by Feb. 15 if they plan to trade or cut Carr. If they cut him, the team will open up $29.5 million in cap space.