Potential landing spots for Derek Carr

One of the biggest stories as the NFL regular season came to an end was that Derek Carr has almost certainly played his last game for the Las Vegas Raiders. With nothing more than a slim chance of securing a playoff berth heading into the final two games, the Silver and Black’s nine-year quarter-back was dropped from the roster entirely in a decision that came from the man right at the top of the franchise — owner Mark Davis.

It is reported that the Raiders are ready to explore trade options for Carr in the coming offseason, and any risk of the 31-year-old picking up an injury against the San Francisco 49ers or the Kansas City Chiefs wasn’t worth taking as the QB’s remaining salary of $33 million next season and $7.5m the following term would become guaranteed.  

It’s not how Carr or anyone involved with the Raiders would have liked the relationship to end after so long. But it seems if the Las Vegas franchise are to progress under general manager Dave Ziegler and head coach Josh McDaniels and become a solid bet in next year’s Super Bowl odds, then they need to move on the 31-year-old and start afresh — potentially with Tom Brady!  

So, as Carr gets ready for life away from the bright lights of Sin City, let’s take a look at some of the potential landing spots for the seasoned QB.  

New York Jets 

Another quarter-back situation that has been well documented this season; Zach Wilson has taken a large part of the brunt as the New York Jets’ fine start to the campaign turned to disaster — with the Gang Green going from a playoff bound record of 7-4 to a season ending 7-10.  

Wilson’s inconsistent form meant he was benched for Mike White, before the latter suffered an injury that resulted in the 23-year-old being restored. It had looked like Wilson’s time in the Big Apple was over at that point, but head coach Robert Saleh has since stated that the Jets aren’t going to ‘quit’ on the QB.  

By now though, we know that anything can happen in the NFL offseason and the Raiders might even be bold enough to offer Carr in a trade for Wilson.  

Indianapolis Colts

There is arguably no franchise in the NFL in more desperate need for a new QB than the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts sent Carson Wentz to the Washington Commanders during the last offseason, acquiring Matt Ryan from the Atlanta Falcons as his replacement.  

However, the move hasn’t paid off as Ryan has thrown just 14 touchdowns and a dire 13 interceptions this season. If the Colts are to bring in Carr or a new quarter-back, it would be the eighth starting QB since Andrew Luck retired in 2018.  

But could the Colts see the 31-year-old as the man to steady the ship after another disappointing year? 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

It seems increasingly likely that this will be Tom Brady’s final year at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It’s not quite clear whether the veteran QB will retire or finish his career away from Florida.  

If it’s the latter, then there’s a good chance the 45-year-old could land in Las Vegas — after all, he nearly signed for the Raiders in 2020 and he has a good relationship with McDaniels after their time together at the New England Patriots.  

If Brady is to depart the Raymond James Stadium, the Bucs will need a replacement and they might just consider Carr.