Josh McDaniels didn’t rule out benching Derek Carr in his Monday news conference, which signals that Carr’s days in Las Vegas are numbered.
“For us to be able to win this time of year…you have to throw the ball better than we have thrown it at times here,” McDaniels said when discussing Carr’s recent performance.
McDaniels’ open critique comes after Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal recently reported Carr’s departure is “inevitable.”
The Raiders have a three-day window after the season to release Carr and incur a small $5.6 million cap hit, per Spotrac. Carr, a three-time Pro Bowler, has played erratically amid speculation about his future in Las Vegas.
In 15 starts, he’s tied for eighth in passing touchdowns (24) but leads the league in interceptions (14).
He’s thrown nine picks over his past five games, including three during a frigid 13-10 loss against Pittsburgh that put the Raiders’ playoff chances on thin ice.
Perhaps missing the playoffs will contribute to Las Vegas’ decision. A regime change doesn’t help Carr, either.
McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler are in their first year together after coming from New England. They’re determined to leave a new imprint, which means they’ll consider moving on from players even if they’ve played nine years for the Raiders.
According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Ziegler scouted Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson in September. Richardson is a potential first-round pick, via ESPN’s Todd McShay.
It’s clear the Raiders are considering starting a new chapter without the 31-year-old quarterback.
