Three years into the Ron Rivera era, the Washington Commanders are still searching for a viable quarterback. After signing veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick in 2021 and trading Carson Wentz this season, the Commanders may turn their attentions to another veteran retread in Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr.
The expectation is that Carr will get traded. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports Carr is doing his homework on three potential landing spots, including the Commanders.
“I’m told that he’s started to do his homework on prospective teams. He has a no-trade clause, so he’s got a lot of power here. The teams I talk to expect a variation of the Saints, the Commanders, and the Jets to all inquire. I’m told some teams have already made some early initial calls to the Raiders but still in the process of coming out of the season. There’s not a lot of traction yet. Expect this to heat up closer to the Super Bowl.”
The Commanders had an interest in Carr last year. But at the time, Carr was off limits, as the Raiders inked him to a three-year, $121.5 million extension. The team also traded for his best friend, wide receiver Davante Adams, from the Green Bay Packers. However, upon review beyond the surface of the deal, Carr essentially signed a one-year audition contract.
Derek Carr got benched by the Raiders’ first-year coach Josh McDaniels before Week 18, signaling the end of the era with the Black and Silver. Carr posted a cryptic post hinting at issues behind the scenes.
The Raiders will save over $29.2 million against the salary cap space by trading or releasing Carr. If traded, Carr will have the full three-year extension remaining. He’ll carry a cap hit of $34.875 million in 2023 that grows to over $43 million in 2024 and 2025.
His career has mimicked a quarterback Washington fans are familiar with, Kirk Cousins. The two have great stats, including clutch moments. Yet, turnovers and everlasting letdowns have stymied Carr (and Cousins).
Will Commanders fans be acceptive of a possible trade for Carr and his bloated contract? It’s hard to believe they will, especially after the team traded draft picks for Wentz. The Commanders were Wentz’s third team in three years. He started seven games, losing five and missing nine games due to a broken finger.
The Commanders are searching for a new offensive coordinator after firing Scott Turner. Candidates for the opening have reportedly been informed the team plans for fifth-round draft pick Sam Howell to start the 2023 season. But he has to win the starting job.
Washington will continue to explore other options. Carr could be one of those options.
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