Why are the Raiders releasing Derek Carr?
Derek Carr is headed for free agency after refusing a trade to the Saints, the only team willing to do a deal with the Raiders.
The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to release quarterback Derek Carr after he informed the team that he would not accept a trade to the New Orleans Saints. Carr’s refusal to join the Saints, in a trade deal that had already been agreed between the teams, was reported on Sunday by ESPN and NFL Network. Reports earlier in the week had detailed Carr’s plan to visit the Saints after he was given permission to speak to the team. However, it is said the contract on offer in New Orleans would require Carr to take a pay cut.
Raiders have until Wednesday
That was not something the QB was willing to do, refusing to waive his no-trade clause, and with only the Saints approaching the Raiders about a trade, the obvious alternative was for the player to be released. The Raiders would have to cut Carr by Wednesday to avoid paying his full salary in 2023 and instead allow him to enter free agency.
Carr has been with the Raiders since he was selected in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft, but he said goodbye to fans in an emotional social media post in January. Las Vegas had hoped for a big season in 2022 but finished third in the AFC West as Carr struggled for form.