Derek Carr failed the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022
By Jason Willis
Derek Carr failed the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022
What’s Next?
In the short term, the Raiders will turn to backup Jarrett Stidham at quarterback. A fourth-round pick of the Patriots in 2019, this will be his fourth season in Josh McDaniel’s system. If the last few seasons have taught us anything about Stidham, he isn’t very good. However, he will get a chance to win over the coaching staff and front office once again.
As for the long term, the Raiders have big decisions to make. With an offense that is still full of talent at the skill positions, it is not hard to envision McDaniel’s reaching out to some old friends. First and foremost, Tom Brady will be a free agent in 2022. The greatest player in NFL history, would he be interested in a trip to the desert?
Former Patriots second-round pick Jimmy Garoppolo sticks out as well if he is let go by San Francisco.
Still, neither one of those two represent long-term options at the game’s most important position. With a likely top-ten pick in this year’s draft, the team will be in a prime position to select a quarterback in April. With no shortage of options, the team would preferably enter 2022 with a veteran bridge quarterback ahead of a promising rookie.
For Carr, the future is a bit murkier. While there is no shortage of teams who will be interested in his services, will he be willing to play for them? After all, he has always said that he would not play for anyone else but the Raiders. If he does elect to keep playing, the Saints represent an opportunity for him to continue playing inside, while also putting him in a winnable division right away.
After nine seasons, the Carr era appears to be over in Vegas. A decision that is difficult for all parties involved, it was simply a long time coming. While he is the most accomplished passer in team history, only so much losing can be tolerated. At the end of the day, Carr simply did not do enough to keep his job.