Derek Carr’s potential landing spots in 2023: Raiders QB on his way out of Las Vegas after benching?
The life of Derek Carr has been a whirlwind over the last 14 months.
Then there was the Jon Gruden saga, the Raiders’ four-game victory run to clinch an AFC wild-card spot, and the last-second playoff loss to the Bengals.
This was followed by the Raiders trading for Carr’s college sidekick, Davante Adams, and Carr signing a three-year contract extension worth $121.5 million.
Raiders to park Derek Carr, start Jarrett Stidham vs. 49ers
The Las Vegas Raiders benched Derek Carr in favor of Jarrett Stidham for the final two games of the regular season, signaling the start of a quarterback transition.
Coach Josh McDaniels stated that the Raiders are eager to assess Stidham and revealed plans for the last two games, including keeping Carr out on game day. Chase Garbers will be the team’s backup quarterback.
Carr, 31, signed a long-term contract before the season that included $40.5 million in injury guarantees. The guarantee kicks in on Feb. 15, which is stated into his contract as “three days following the Super Bowl.”
Carr has 14 interceptions, including nine in his last five games, which is an NFL record. In Las Vegas’ 13-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday, he was intercepted three times.
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Stidham, 26, will make his first career start for the Raiders (6-9) against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. (11-4). Las Vegas is still mathematically alive for a postseason berth, but it must win both of its remaining games and receive a lot of help.
Also read: Chargers qualify for postseason with victory over Colts
During the QB announcement, oddsmakers instantly changed the game line, moving the 49ers from 5.5-point favorites to 10 points.
Stidham has completed eight of thirteen passes for 72 yards in three games this season and 32 of 61 passes for 342 yards, two touchdowns, and four interceptions in 11 career games with the Patriots and Raiders. New England drafted him in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
“We’re going to go ahead and start Jarrett for the last two of games here,” McDaniels said. “None of us is satisfied with where we’re at. But we think it’s an opportunity to evaluate a younger guy who hasn’t had much time to play.
“I spoke with Derek, who was fantastic; he knows the circumstance we’re in. Very helpful.”
This will be Carr’s fourth missed game in nine NFL seasons.
Carr agreed to a three-year, $121.5 million contract extension in April and is under contract through 2025. However, the Raiders would save $29.25 million by selling or releasing Carr before the deadline for his roster position to be guaranteed for the remaining two years of his contract. Carr’s contract includes a no-trade clause.
Carr, a three-time Pro Bowler, has completed 60.8 percent of his throws this season for 3,522 yards and 24 touchdowns.
Carr has passed for 35,222 yards, 217 touchdowns. And 99 interceptions in 142 career games since being drafted in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Raiders.
