Derek Carr and the Ramifications for the Raiders
Orange, California (PSF)- In 2014, Derek Carr was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the second round. This dream QB for a desperate organization seemed to be the missing piece in their franchise, but it was rocky. Carr had a 63-79 record as a Raider and with only two playoff appearances. Yet, while putting up decent stats for nine seasons (35,222 yards and 217 TDs), it has not worked out in the Raider's favor.
There has been some talk about the Raider's backup QB Jarrett Stidham, the Patriot's fourth-round pick-up back in 2019, being the new face of the Raiders. Still, it seems unlikely as the franchise has been reported looking from outside their organization to fill the hole left by Carr. They could also look to Mac Jones, another Patriot who could have potential as a Raider, who might be getting the cut sooner rather than later. The prospect of Aaron Rodgers coming to Vegas is now also in the works, but it also seems unlikely as Rodgers is a risk regarding physicality and the pay gap. The Raiders have space in their pockets to pick up someone like Rodgers, although it still seems far away.
This could all have been a mistake for the Raiders to let him go, as now they will have to go through a rebuilding phase of sorts with finding the right match for the quarterback spot. Carr might have been their chance at making the playoffs these next few years, and without him, the team has a lot of questions that need to be answered.