The Raiders are going to trade quarterback Derek Carr, and they’re almost certainly going to do it by Feb. 15.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that date is a “firm deadline” for a deal, as Carr’s hefty salary for the next two seasons becomes guaranteed at that point. That means either a deal will be done to send him elsewhere a month ahead of free agency, or he would likely be released in the event of no deal being struck.
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Recent reporting indicates the Raiders will be able to find a trade for their longtime QB. That doesn’t come as much of a surprise, as competent quarterback play is always at a premium, and there are close to a dozen teams with uncertain quarterback situations entering the offseason.
Las Vegas has an awkward situation on its hands, with Carr going as far as making jokes at the Pro Bowl about not returning, but expect the saga to be cleared up fairly soon.
Here’s the latest on where the Raiders might send their longtime quarterback.
Latest Derek Carr trade rumors
Friday, Feb. 3
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Raiders might already have deals in place with certain teams, leaving Carr’s next destination in his own hands.
MORE: Derek Carr pens farewell to franchise following late-season benching
According to Schefter, the Raiders granted Carr permission to speak with teams that have already agreed to compensation with the franchise.
Raiders already have granted QB Derek Carr permission to speak with other teams interested in trading for him that have also agreed to compensation with Las Vegas, per sources.
It’s the same arrangement the Texans had with quarterback Deshaun Watson last off-season.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 3, 2023
As Schefter points out, the Texans went through a similar scenario last offseason when Deshaun Watson was on the verge of being traded. He met with a handful of teams and ultimately settled on the Browns after weighing three NFC South suitors.
Watson’s situation was more complicated, even beyond the suspension he was facing. He also needed to work out a long-term deal with the team that acquired him. Carr isn’t expected to need a new contract in order for a trade to go through, so it appears the ball is entirely in his court.
MORE: Derek Carr landing spots 2023: Jets, Colts among best fits
While there are likely several teams involved, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported Friday that the Saints are “buzzing” as a landing spot for Carr. New Orleans was also in the mix for Watson last offseason, and head coach Dennis Allen was coaching the Raiders when they drafted Carr in 2014.
Saints are “buzzing” as potential landing spot for Derek Carr in Mobile this week (via @JFowlerESPN) pic.twitter.com/WdAKI1VBhZ
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) February 3, 2023
It isn’t clear who the Saints are battling for Carr’s services, but a large number of teams in both conferences have unsettled quarterback rooms at this point.
Credit: sportingnews.com