Derek Carr won't be the Raiders' quarterback in 2022, but how his exit from Las Vegas will play out is still up in the air.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that date is a "firm deadline" for a deal, as Carr's hefty salary for the next two seasons becomes guaranteed at that point. That means either a deal will be done to send him elsewhere a month ahead of free agency, or he would likely be released in the event of no deal being struck.
Early reporting indicated the Raiders would be able to find a trade for their longtime QB, but Carr's hefty salary for the next two seasons has complicated the saga.
Las Vegas has an awkward situation on its hands, with Carr going as far as making jokes at the Pro Bowl about not returning, but expect the saga to be cleared up fairly soon.
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Here's the latest on where the Raiders might send their longtime quarterback.
Latest Derek Carr trade rumors
Sunday, Feb. 12
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Carr told the Raiders he won't accept a trade by Feb. 15. The quarterback is effectively forcing his release, as the Raiders aren't expected to allow his hefty salary to become guaranteed on Wednesday and are poised to cut Carr outright.
Carr is set to become a rare quality free-agent quarterback and figures to draw plenty of interest from QB-needy teams.
Sources: #Raiders QB Derek Carr has informed the team he won’t accept a trade to the #Saints or any other team. The team is expected to release him and he’ll be a top free agent. pic.twitter.com/k0LcLRlDOo
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 12, 2023
Thursday, Feb. 9
NewOrleans.football's Nick Underhill reported that Carr is back for another day in the Saints facility. Carr's visit with the Saints on Wednesday lasted until late at night, and there's clearly some strong mutual interest between the two sides.
The Raiders and Saints already have the framework of a deal in place, but Carr's contract situation complicates the situation.
Derek Carr is back at Saints headquarters today. Yesterday's meeting wrapped up around 10:30 p.m.
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) February 9, 2023
Tuesday, Feb. 7
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on Tuesday that the Saints have emerged as an early suitor for Carr's services next season. He plans on visiting the team on Wednesday after the Raiders granted him permission.
Sources: The #Saints invited QB Derek Carr for a visit and the #Raiders have granted permission for that to happen. The plan is for a visit tomorrow. Carr, who has a no-trade clause, is doing due diligence and no trade is imminent. pic.twitter.com/kMSPW2NKaT
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 7, 2023
Rapoport also noted the Saints' head coach, Dennis Allen, gave Carr his first NFL start while coaching the Raiders back in 2014. However, Allen was fired just four games into that season after an 0-4 start. Carr has remained the Raiders' starter ever since, and he could be in line for a reunion with the coach that gave him his first professional opportunity.
Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer clarified that no contract terms have been agreed yet between Carr and the Saints. According to Breer, New Orleans is the only team that has received permission to talk to Carr to this point.
For what it’s worth: The Saints and QB Derek Carr have not agreed to contract terms and, obviously, Carr has not agreed to waive his no-trade clause. Carr gets to New Orleans tomorrow, will leave Thursday.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) February 8, 2023
We’ll see where it goes.
Friday, Feb. 3
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Raiders might already have deals in place with certain teams, leaving Carr's next destination in his own hands.
MORE: Derek Carr pens farewell to franchise following late-season benching
According to Schefter, the Raiders granted Carr permission to speak with teams that have already agreed to compensation with the franchise.
Raiders already have granted QB Derek Carr permission to speak with other teams interested in trading for him that have also agreed to compensation with Las Vegas, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 3, 2023
It's the same arrangement the Texans had with quarterback Deshaun Watson last off-season.
As Schefter points out, the Texans went through a similar scenario last offseason when Deshaun Watson was on the verge of being traded. He met with a handful of teams and ultimately settled on the Browns after weighing three NFC South suitors.
Watson's situation was more complicated, even beyond the suspension he was facing. He also needed to work out a long-term deal with the team that acquired him. Carr isn't expected to need a new contract in order for a trade to go through, so it appears the ball is entirely in his court.
MORE: Derek Carr landing spots 2023: Jets, Colts among best fits
While there are likely several teams involved, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported Friday that the Saints are "buzzing" as a landing spot for Carr. New Orleans was also in the mix for Watson last offseason, and head coach Dennis Allen was coaching the Raiders when they drafted Carr in 2014.
Saints are "buzzing" as potential landing spot for Derek Carr in Mobile this week (via @JFowlerESPN) pic.twitter.com/WdAKI1VBhZ
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) February 3, 2023
It isn't clear who the Saints are battling for Carr's services, but a large number of teams in both conferences have unsettled quarterback rooms at this point.
