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.
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.
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.
“We have a lot of respect for Derek Carr and what he has meant to the Raiders organization for the last nine years,” Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Zeigler said in a statement.
“Derek has done great things in this league and we’re thankful to have been able to work with him this past year. He is a true professional and we appreciate his hard work in striving to produce the results we all desire. We wish Derek and his family all the best in the future.”
Nevertheless, it didn’t take long before the veteran signal-caller found work in his preferred destination with the New Orleans Saints.
Talking with the Saints media after the signing, Carr highlighted his faith and commitment to the team. “How do I add value? Be a blessing, not a burden to anybody in this building,” he said.
