The Los Vegas Raiders might move on from Derek Carr even sooner than many expect.
The way the quarterback’s contract is structured results in his $40.4 million salary becomes fully guaranteed for 2023 if the Raiders don’t move on by February 15.
Since it’s pretty obvious the team won’t be bringing Carr back, the team might move a lot quicker.
This is because the 31-year-old is slated to participate in the Pro Bowl flag football game Sunday.
Although he will be representing the Raiders, the team of course might be worried about his health after the game.
“A league exec openly wondered this week whether the Raiders would cut Derek Carr before he participates in the Pro Bowl flag football game Sunday since an injury there could trigger his $40.4 million guarantee early,” ESPN Insider Jeremy Fowler wrote in a column today, as cited by Raiders Beat.
Add that to the fact that Carr said he wouldn’t extend the deadline passed February 15 to buy the organization some extra time to trade him.
And if the Raiders allow the situation to drag out passed the deadline, then it could be tougher to find a trade partner.
So it’s Carr’s days as a Raider that could come to an end at any point ahead of Sunday.
This would mark the 2014 second pick’s fourth Pro Bowl with the Raiders.
In nine seasons, all with the same organization, Carr has thrown for more than 35,000 passing yards with 217 touchdown passes.
But now it will likely be the beginning of a new era for both the Raiders and Carr.
In particular, Fowler reportedly said that the New Orleans Saints are “buzzing” as a landing spot for the quarterback.
Saints 2022 starting quarterback Andy Dalton is scheduled to become a free agent.
Also, expect the New York Jets to show some interest.
Owner Woody Johnson said after the season ended that the quarterback was the “missing piece” and that he was willing to spend money on a veteran.
Some other teams that could use a quarterback include the Atlanta Falcons, Washington Commanders and others depending on what moves are made.
So Carr will have a market whether that’s via trade or free agency.
