Analyst names best landing spot for Raiders QB Derek Carr
The Las Vegas Raiders will presumably have no shortage of suitors for quarterback Derek Carr with as many as 10 teams potentially looking for a new signal caller heading into 2023.
Fortunately for Carr, his no-trade clause will keep the Raiders from selling him off to the highest bidder, instead allowing both sides to find the best possible fit for the 31-year-old QB. And according to Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski, that best fit is in New Orleans.
“Carr is very much a rhythm passer, who should fit in nicely with Pete Carmichael's offensive scheme,” Sobleski wrote. “Furthermore, the Saints have some special talent around the quarterback position in Alvin Kamara, Michael Thomas, Chris Olave and some intriguing pieces along the offensive line. The biggest concern in potentially acquiring the current Raider is New Orleans' lack draft capital—specifically a first-round pick—to possibly get a deal done. Even so, it's the right path for the franchise to take.”
Carr is a three-time Pro Bowler with four 4,000-yard seasons under his belt. He’s thrown 20 or more touchdown passes in eight of his nine seasons, and he’s had a passer rating of 90 or better six times.
Making a trade work financially is the tricky part for the Saints, who are projected to be $58.59 million over the cap next season. Carr is due $121 million over the next three seasons, and he has $40.4 million that will be fully guaranteed on Feb. 15.
New Orleans would have to get creative with some post-June 1 cap gymnastics to accommodate a potential Carr trade. Jameis Winston ($12.8 million), Demario Davis ($7.5 million), James Hurst ($5.5 million) and Marcus Davenport ($5.6 million) could all be candidates to either restructure or be released for cap savings.
Winston and Jake Luton are the only quarterbacks New Orleans has under contract for 2023.
More must-reads: