With Derek Carr benched, the Raiders' road forward has one clear path
Derek Carr is done. It's the day many thought would never come. in his nine seasons, Carr has led the Raiders to the playoffs twice. And his benching has heavy contract implications for his future. He's thrown for 3,522 yards and 24 touchdowns, but completed just 60.8 percent of his passes, averaged only 7.0 yards […]
Derek Carr is done.
It's the day many thought would never come. in his nine seasons, Carr has led the Raiders to the playoffs twice. And his benching has heavy contract implications for his future.
He's thrown for 3,522 yards and 24 touchdowns, but completed just 60.8 percent of his passes, averaged only 7.0 yards per attempt, threw 14 interceptions (most in the league), and fell short in several late-game moments that could’ve helped the Raiders avoid being 6-9 and sitting on the verge of being eliminated from the playoffs.
His current level of play and his contract situation makes it obvious how the Raiders and Carr ended up here.
The Raiders' pathway forward
However, it is still true that Carr is the one taking the fall for a lost season. But the pressure is now on the Raiders' front office to figure out a legitimate plan forward. The clock is ticking. The deadline to get a deal done is Feb. 15, which is when his 2023 salary and that portion of his 2024 salary — a combined $40.4 million — will be guaranteed if he remains on the roster.
Las Vegas could still trade Carr after that date passes. But if no trade is agreed to before Feb. 15, it would shift the leverage into Carr’s hands. He holds a no-trade clause, so he’ll be able to dictate any negotiations, but he could then theoretically block a trade altogether and force the Raiders to keep him in 2023.
If the Raiders can't find a trade partner for Carr before the guaranteed portion of his contract kicks in, they should cut him.
It is also a possibility Carr retires and making life easy for the Raiders. He's indicated that he'd rather retire than play anywhere else. But that remains unlikely. He's in the prime of his career and is one season removed from leading the Raiders to the playoffs.
Regardless of whether Carr is traded or cut or retires, the Raiders need to find his replacement, and the avenues are plentiful, and it's the only road the organization can take.
Related Las Vegas Raiders reading
"Earlier report revealed Raiders' reason for benching Carr."
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Feature image via Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
