FOOTBALL
Reports: Raiders grant Derek Carr permission to speak with Saints
Has the first domino fallen in the question of where Derek Carr will play next season?
According to NFL Networks’ Ian Rapoport, the New Orleans Saints invited Carr for a visit, which the Las Vegas Raiders granted him permission to accept.
“Carr, who has a no-trade clause, is doing due diligence and no trade is imminent.”
Derek Carr is expected to meet with the Saints Wednesday, Feb. 8. This is the first reported meeting between Carr and a potential new team.
There is some connection between Carr and New Orleans. Current Saints head coach Dennis Allen was Carr’s coach in Oakland during the quarterback’s rookie season. Allen lasted four games before he was fired by the Raiders.
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
Despite the visit, ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio reports that it “still remains unlikely” a trade happens between the Raiders and Carr’s next home, and him being released is more likely to happen.
Nearly a year ago, Carr signed a three-year contract extension with the Raiders. The 31-year-old’s $32.9 million salary for 2023 and $7.5 million of his 2024 salary become fully guaranteed on Wednesday, Feb. 15. He also has a no-trade clause in his contract, so any moves the Raiders want to make, Carr has to approve.
How the Raiders’ tenure ended for Derek Carr
With two weeks remaining in the 2022 season, the Las Vegas Raiders made the surprising decision to bench long-time starter Derek Carr. The Raiders drafted Carr in 2014, starting 142 games for the Silver and Black. Over his nine years as the team’s starter, he threw for a franchise-leading 35,222 passing yards and finished with 62-78 record. He technically made the playoffs twice, but the first appearance he did not play because he was injured by the time the postseason rolled around.
