Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr found himself in the trade rumor mill early this offseason, marking another year his name was thrown around. At least for now, it seems his future with the team is safe.
Jon Gruden is known for never being satisfied enough with his team’s quarterback play. The Raiders were connected to Tom Brady during the 2020 offseason. While they didn’t land the future Hall of Fame quarterback, it didn’t stop rumors about Carr’s future in Las Vegas.
After missing the playoffs once again, Las Vegas enters an offseason needing significant changes. While Gruden and Mike Mayock might be open-minded to ideas, at least one seems to be ruled out.
When the Detroit Lions traded Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams for Jared Goff and two first-round picks, everyone in the NFL took notice. Teams with above-average, but not great, quarterbacks suddenly became interested in what their franchise signal-caller could land via trade.
Before long, the Derek Carr trade rumors started. Quarterback-needy teams were very interested in the veteran, who is coming off another strong season with the Raiders. Unfortunately, at least for those hoping to land him, it seems one name won’t be moving in the 2021 quarterback carousel.
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer spoke to Raiders sources who indicated that Carr wouldn’t be traded. In fact, they made it emphatically clear that the three-time Pro Bowl selection isn’t even available for another club.
It’s a sentiment shared by those around Las Vegas, who expect Carr back, and outside the city. Even a former NFL head coach Jay Gruden said he’d be shocked if his brother trades the team’s franchise quarterback this year.
It doesn’t hurt for NFL teams to try, especially this offseason. Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz and Houston Texans star Deshaun Watson have asked their respective clubs for trades. Meanwhile, rival general managers have even called the Seattle Seahawks to gauge a Russell Wilson trade.
Unless the draft haul from a Carr trade guaranteed Las Vegas to get Watson, moving on from the longtime quarterback doesn’t make sense. He is coming off a season with 4,103 passing yards, a 27-9 TD-INT ratio and a career-best 101.4 quarterback rating.
Instead, keep an eye on the Las Vegas Raiders listening to offers for Marcus Mariota. He is reportedly available, and at least one team has already been connected for a future landing spot.
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