For almost a decade, Derek Carr was the starting QB for the Las Vegas Raiders organization. Carr never got the Raiders over the hump, but he was far from the largest issue in the organization.
Carr is the most prolific QB in the history of the Raiders organization. The statistics may come as a shock, but no player has started more games under center for the organization than him. Carr also has more touchdown passes and passing yards than any player to suit up in a Raiders uniform.
The abrupt change of course and his exit from the Raiders’ organization was startling and surprising.
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Why Did the Raiders Cut Derek Carr?
In 2022, Las Vegas supported their franchise signal-caller by signing Carr to a three-year extension worth $122 million. New Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels viewed Carr as the point man of what would be his explosive offense.
In less than a year, it all fell apart.
Raiders release QB Derek Carr. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/cNh6KLRh2M
— NFL (@NFL) February 14, 2023
The Raiders didn’t only sign Carr to the extension, but they doubled down by trading their first- and second-round picks in the 2022 NFL Draft to the Green Bay Packers for receiver Davante Adams. Carr and Adams famously have a tight bond that goes back to their Fresno State college days. The pieces were aligning for the Raiders’ offense — or so they thought.
Carr’s contract extension had an out-clause following the first year. If he remained on Las Vegas’ roster three days past the Super Bowl, then $40 million in guaranteed money would kick in for the 2023 and 2024 seasons. However, the Raiders wanted to move on from their tenured signal-caller and began the search for trade partners.
Sources: #Raiders QB Derek Carr has informed the team he won’t accept a trade to the #Saints or any other team. The team is expected to release him and he’ll be a top free agent. pic.twitter.com/k0LcLRlDOo
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 12, 2023
Unfortunately for the Raiders, they had little leverage in the situation. As part of the contract, Carr had a no-trade clause, allowing the veteran to choose his next destination.
MORE: Las Vegas Raiders Depth Chart 2023
He could have waived his no-trade clause to assist the organization in its trade efforts, but Carr had no motivation to work with a front office attempting to get rid of him.
Saints have emerged as the front runners to sign former Raiders’ QB Derek Carr and an agreement could be reached as early as today, per league sources. pic.twitter.com/f02UQ3m1pL
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 6, 2023
The Raiders were backed into a corner, and the rest of the NFL knew it. Las Vegas couldn’t find a trade partner, so they were forced to release Carr.
Nevertheless, it didn’t take long before the veteran signal-caller found work in his preferred destination with the New Orleans Saints.