In his Monday news conference, Raiders coach Josh McDaniels didn't rule out benching Derek Carr, a signal the quarterback's days in Las Vegas are numbered.
Live: Josh McDaniels addresses the media from the Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center. https://t.co/8MVJllEBrq
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) December 26, 2022
"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 $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 has thrown nine picks over his past five games, including three during a 13-10 loss in sub-freezing weather against Pittsburgh. The loss put the Raiders' playoff chances on thin ice.
What a way to end it in Pittsburgh.
— NFL (@NFL) December 25, 2022
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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 Carr could be a goner.
The intrigue in Anthony Richardson on the NFL level hasn't waned. The Raiders have three people in town to scout Tennessee/Florida, including GM Dave Ziegler. The QB needy Bucs, Giants and Commanders also had multiple scouts/execs at the Swamp for the Kentucky game.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) September 24, 2022
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.
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