Derek Carr’s future with the Las Vegas Raiders might be in doubt after the team made a gigantic move on Wednesday.
The Raiders benched Carr for the remainder of the season in favor of backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham. Las Vegas sputtered to a 6-9 record through this point of the season under Carr. So head coach Josh McDaniels revealed the team’s new plan on Wednesday.
But things may not be what they seem. The Raiders could move on from the Pro Bowl quarterback in the offseason if details that trickled out after the move are to be believed. ESPN reporter Jeremy Fowler detailed Las Vegas’ potential plan. Fowler tweeted, “Sources: Raiders have benched Derek Carr in part to preserve his health for a potential trade this offseason. Don’t want to risk injury, and his market could heat up after the Super Bowl, sources say, though option to stay still on the table.”
Sources: #Raiders have benched Derek Carr in part to preserve his health for a potential trade this offseason. Don't want to risk injury, and his market could heat up after the Super Bowl, sources say, though option to stay still on the table.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) December 28, 2022
NFL Network’s Steve Wyche suggested the very same thing after the news broke. Wyche said, “Here’s the thing, we’re giving them all the cover that they need. Here’s the deal: They’re not taking a look at Jarrett Stidham. They know what Jarrett Stidham is. He’s not going to be their long-term quarterback. This is the adios to Derek Carr.” Wyche detailed how Carr’s contract is only guaranteed for injury only and that they could move on, and if they do, “He’s gone.”
I had to keep it real on the Raiders and Derek Carr, who has been benched for the final two games pic.twitter.com/5WEMJbfn3E
— Steve Wyche (@wyche89) December 28, 2022
This would be a huge move for the Raiders, Carr, and probably the NFL, too. Especially when you consider that just last offseason, the team acquired All-Pro receiver, Davante Adams. Adams, of course, has a lengthy relationship with Carr, as the two played with each other at Fresno State in the 2010s.
Carr has played his entire career with the Raiders. He’s a three-time Pro Bowler with 35,222 passing yards and 217 passing touchdowns.
About Chris Novak
Chris Novak has been talking and writing about sports ever since he can remember. Previously, Novak wrote for and managed sites in the SB Nation network for nearly a decade from 2013-2022