Derek Carr trade rumors: Raiders have deals in place, QB allowed to speak with interested teams

Dan Treacy

Derek Carr trade rumors: Raiders have deals in place, QB allowed to speak with interested teams image

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dan Treacy

Dan Treacy Photo

Dan Treacy is a content producer for Sporting News, joining in 2022 after graduating from Boston University. He founded @allsportsnews on Instagram in 2012 and has written for Lineups and Yardbarker.