Earlier report revealed Raiders' reasons for benching Derek Carr
The Las Vegas Raiders stunned the NFL world on Wednesday by announcing that quarterback Derek Carr will be benched for the rest of the 2022 season. Former Baylor/Auburn quarterback Jarrett Stidham will start in Carr's place. Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels said on Wednesday that benching Carr isn't indicative of a decision on the quarterback's […]
The Las Vegas Raiders stunned the NFL world on Wednesday by announcing that quarterback Derek Carr will be benched for the rest of the 2022 season.
Former Baylor/Auburn quarterback Jarrett Stidham will start in Carr's place.
Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels said on Wednesday that benching Carr isn't indicative of a decision on the quarterback's future in Las Vegas.
A report from before the Raiders' announcement, however, indicates that Carr's benching had a very specific purpose.
The Athletic's Vic Tafur reported earlier on Wednesday that the Las Vegas front office met the last two nights to discuss Carr's future.
According to Tafur, the Raiders understand that if Carr gets hurt during the final two games of the season, his $33 million salary in 2023 will become guaranteed. $7.5 million in 2024 would become guaranteed, too.
The Raiders will never say it publicly, but this move is essentially them protecting themselves against Carr's salary becoming guaranteed. Now, that doesn't mean that Carr is 100 percent done in Las Vegas.
While I think most assume that's the case — and it most likely is the reality of the situation — it's still possible that the Raiders could approach Carr about restructuring his deal. Or they could have second thoughts after the season (they have until February 15 before the $40.4 million becomes guaranteed).
It certainly feels like this is trending toward Carr being an ex-Raider, but there's still a slight chance he could be back in Vegas next season.
Featured image via USA TODAY Sports
