The Raiders and Derek Carr are breaking up on Valentine’s Day.
According to NBC Sports’ Mike Florio, the Raiders must release Carr before 4 p.m. EST on Tuesday to avoid activating a $40.4M injury guarantee.
When Carr is released, it will end a decent nine-year era that re-established some respectability.
Las Vegas has only made two playoff appearances since 2002; both were Carr-led. He also set the franchise’s passing TD record (217).
Yet Las Vegas never became a consistent contender with Carr, who posted a losing starting record in nine seasons (63-79).
2022 felt like a make-or-break year after Las Vegas traded a first-round pick for Davante Adams, a six-time Pro Bowl WR.
Although Carr made the Pro Bowl as an alternate and threw 24 TDs in 15 starts, he tied a career-high in interceptions (14), ultimately resulting in the Raiders’ decision to move on.
Per OverTheCap, Carr’s release will incur a $5.6M cap hit but save the Raiders $29.3M in cap space.
According to OTC, the Raiders have $19.1M in cap room, meaning they will nearly have $50M after Carr is gone, enough to pursue a free-agent QB like Jimmy Garoppolo. His market value is a four-year deal worth $34.9M in annual salary, per Spotrac.
Carr will have suitors in free agency. He spoke with the Saints, who wanted to acquire him via trade. However, he had no interest in taking a significant pay cut, deciding not to waive his no-trade clause.
Other QB-needy teams like the Jets, Commanders, Panthers and Buccaneers could show interest, too.
Carr and the Raiders are splitting up, but the move may work for both parties.
