Raiders release Derek Carr after 9 seasons
The Las Vegas Raiders have released quarterback Derek Carr, sources told Jordan Schultz, theScore's NFL insider.
Breaking: #Raiders have released QB Derek Carr, sources tell @theScore. The 4x Pro Bowler is now free to sign with any team he wants.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) February 14, 2023
Carr's agent, Tim Younger, confirmed the move minutes later.
"We wish the Raiders the best of luck," Younger wrote in a tweet. "This is the tough part of this business. That's the point; it's just business. Time now to reset for both sides. Derek chooses to hold on to many good memories and friendships, without any ill will. That's who he is. Onward and upward."
Las Vegas was expected to part ways with the four-time Pro Bowler before 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday when $40 million of his 2023 salary was scheduled to become guaranteed. The move clears $29.25 million in 2023 cap space for the Raiders.
"We have a lot of respect for Derek Carr and what he has meant to the Raiders organization for the last nine years," head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler said in a joint statement. "Derek has done great things in this league, and we're thankful to have been able to work with him this past year. He is a true professional, and we appreciate his hard work in striving to produce the results we all desire. We wish Derek and his family all the best in the future."
Carr - who inked a three-year, $121.5-million extension last April - has been the Raiders' starting quarterback since 2014. The team decided to part ways with him after posting a 6-11 record during a disappointing 2022 campaign that followed multiple high-profile offseason additions.
The 31-year-old started 142 games for the Raiders, posting a 63-79 record. He leaves the club as its all-time leader in passing yards (35,222) and touchdowns (217).
Carr - whose contract contained a no-trade clause - visited the New Orleans Saints last week but reportedly informed Las Vegas he wouldn't accept a trade to any team. The New York Jets, Carolina Panthers, Tennessee Titans, and Saints are reportedly expected to have interest in Carr.
The veteran signal-caller isn't in a rush to sign with a new team, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
It's unclear how the Raiders - who benched Carr for their final two games of the season - will handle their quarterback situation. Jarrett Stidham replaced Carr in 2022, but his contract expires this offseason.