NFL insider explains why Las Vegas Raiders cutting Derek Carr more likely than a trade
Based on the finances of the massive contract extension the Las Vegas Raiders gave Derek Carr in the offseason, if the team were to part ways with him next year, it would more likely be cutting him than moving a trade.
This hasn’t been the season the Raiders and their starting quarterback expected. After making offensive guru Josh McDaniels their new head coach and making a successful trade for wide receiver Davante Adams, the expectation was that Las Vegas would be a serious threat to the Kansas City Chiefs’ place at the top of the AFC West.
However, they head into Week 17 of the NFL season with a 6-9 record and the slimmest of hopes of making the NFL playoffs. While McDaniel’s work in his second stint as head coach has left something to be desired, Carr’s regression this season has been one of the biggest culprits in their disappointing play. With his completion percentage, passer rating and yards significantly up compared to 2021.
Related: Assessing the important decision against the Las Vegas Raiders with Derek Carr
Derek Carr’s slump has led to speculation that the team could end his nine-year run with the team this offseason. However, while many have assumed a trade would be the path to a split, an NFL insider claims the team releasing Carr from his contract is more likely.
The Las Vegas Raiders cutting Derek Carr could be a sign of the ultimate release
On Wednesday, Pro Football Talk NFL insider Mike Florio wrote about the Raiders and Carr’s situation and explained why cutting the organization is the strongest option for how his tenure in the Silver-and-Black ends.
Florio explained that Carr has a separate injury guarantee of $40.4 million in his new deal. If the 31-year-old is unable to pass a physical before the third day of the waiver period in 2023, the option becomes fully vested. Maybe that’s why McDaniels wasn’t committed this week to a QB change in the final two games of the season. Because the organization would like to avoid an injury that warrants that option.
Unfortunately, the warranty expires before the start of the new league year and before they can trade him. While Florio suggests the Las Vegas Raiders and an interested team could agree to terms on a deal, if that team were to pull out, it would leave Las Vegas on the hook for $40.4 million.
- Derek Carr’s stats (2022): 3,522 yards. 24 TD, 14 INT, 86.3 passer rating
That’s why cutting Carr and taking the hit by shedding under the $32 million he’s owed in 2023 and over $82 million the following years is the most likely path for the Las Vegas Raiders next season and future plans .
