The Raiders once again enter an extremely uncertain offseason. This time it will be without their leader and captain, Derek Carr. They decided to bench Carr, in massive controversy, for the final two games. It caused immediate pushback from players such as Davante Adams, who partially came to Vegas to play with Carr. It seems the goal was to prevent Carr from getting injured so he was a tradable asset. With that in mind, The Raiders seem faced with two options, make a Derek Carr trade and get whatever for him, or release him for a cap penalty. We think it is more likely than not he is traded so they can show some sort of return to the team and fanbase.
Derek Carr Trade Locations
New York Jets
The Jets quarterback drama was well documented this season. With Mike White playing bad to finish the season, Zach Wilson being Zach Wilson, and so on. The team has the offensive pieces in place for a vet to step in and succeed. Carr would improve the offense drastically while also mentoring Zach Wilson (If they want to keep him). He could be the missing piece to get into the playoffs
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
This is obviously dependent on what Tom Brady does. If he stays this will not happen. But, if he leaves for the Raiders or possibly another team, then the Bucs will have a need. They would still have the likes of Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Cade Otton, and more that could produce a great offense. Carr could step in and the offense would probably not miss that much of a beat.
Miami Dolphins
This all hinges on Tua’s health. While he was in discussion to play for the first round of the playoffs, it cannot be assumed that retirement is off the board. Like the Jets, the Dolphins are built to win now and would need a veteran to fill in and keep the offense humming. There are some debates that Carr could even be an improvement.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have a ton of different directions they could go. They may want to try Corral or stick with Darnold. This team is closer to the playoffs than people may give them credit for and that is with bad quarterback play. Carr could greatly increase the offensive potential.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts came out and said they were not interested in Carr. But, when is the last time anyone trusted the Colts and what they have said. They could easily go against their word and no one would be shocked. Just like no one would be shocked to see the Colts trade up and take the wrong quarterback in the draft (cough cough Will Levis cough cough).
New Orleans Saints
Dennis Allen is returning to the Saints and may want to go in another direction at the position. Carr would be an upgrade over Jameis or Dalton, but can the Saints afford him? They have repeatedly shown that they do not treat the cap as a real thing but it is still possible.
Verdict
The easiest route for the Raiders is to cut Carr. They do not spend the time shopping him and can move on faster. That being said, Carr has been the face of the franchise since being drafted and the team may want to show some sort of return for him to the fanbase. What is he worth though? Benching him saved his health but probably hurt his trade value as well. Would a team trade him for a third? We cannot imagine he would generate a massive haul or anything close to the Wilson and Watson trades (especially because they worked out so well for everyone). But we predict he is traded to the New York Jets for a third and maybe a conditional pick as well. The Jets in turn take on his full salary. Would it not be fun if they even send Wilson to the Raiders in return as part of the deal? It probably will not happen as Carr could be an amazing mentor for Wilson, but it is interesting to consider.