Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) warms up before a game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium. Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Release of QB Derek Carr may be best option for Raiders

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 12/30/22

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported the Raiders benched veteran QB Derek Carr to preserve his trade value, but releasing him may be their best option.

Sources: #Raiders have benched Derek Carr in part to preserve his health for a potential trade this offseason. Don't want to risk injury, and his market could heat up after the Super Bowl, sources say, though option to stay still on the table.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) December 28, 2022

Teams might not be willing to offer much for a veteran QB after the failure of trades involving Russell Wilson (Broncos) and Matt Ryan (Colts). They have a combined record as starters of 7-17-1 this season.

Through 15 starts, Carr is tied for the league lead in interceptions (14), perhaps decreasing his market. He also has a no-trade clause in his contract, which could also limit his market.

The 2023 free-agency class includes several compelling QB options, including seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady and San Francisco's Jimmy Garoppolo.

Although the Raiders could be a strong contender in the Brady sweepstakes, per The Athletic's Jeff Howe, they'll likely face competition from Tampa Bay and others.

Former Tampa Bay coach Bruce Arians told longtime NFL reporter Ira Kaufman of JoeBucsFan.com that he expects Brady to be a Buccaneer if he doesn't retire.

If Las Vegas gives Brady a big offer, it will need cap space. Per ESPN's Dan Graziano, if the Raiders don't release Carr until three days after the Super Bowl, it will owe him $41.9 million in guaranteed money. If they release him before, the cap hit will be $5.6 million, per Spotrac.

The release of Carr before the Super Bowl would save the team money, allow him to start over, and allow the Raiders to prepare for their next move.

More must-reads: