Raiders release starting quarterback Derek Carr after failing to trade him

Carr’s tenure in Las Vegas has come to an end.

Update 2/14/2023: Raiders release starting quarterback Derek Carr after failing to trade him

Two days after news broke that the Las Vegas Raiders would part ways with their long-time starting quarterback, Derek Carr, the move was made official. Head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler released a statement on the move:

We have a lot of respect for Derek Carr and what he has meant to the Raiders organization for the last nine years. 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.

Carr is now a free agent, and eligible to sign with any team effective immediately.

Original story 2/12/2023: Raiders expected to release quarterback Derek Carr instead of trading him

The first major quarterback domino of the NFL’s 2023 offseason is expected to fall soon. According to a report by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Las Vegas Raiders are expected to release long-time starter Derek Carr.

The team had attempted to trade him, but Carr will apparently not waive his no-trade clause. As a consequence, the Raiders will cut the 31-year-old and make him a free agent.

Carr originally joined the organization as a second-round draft pick in 2014. Over the next nine seasons, he 143 regular season and playoff games for the team and was voted to four Pro Bowls. However, he fell out of favor with the team in the first season under head coach Josh McDaniels.

Carr was benched late during the Raiders’ 6-11 season, with former New England Patriots QB Jarrett Stidham taking over as the team’s starter down the stretch. Carr was believed to be a trade candidate, with the New Orleans Saints a potential landing spot.

However, the two teams were unable to make a move; Carr’s contract structure, which will guarantee him $40.4 million as of 4 p.m. ET next Tuesday, was an issue, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

As a result, Carr will be released soon.