Derek Carr’s nine-season journey with the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders is an NFL story filled with twists and turns. From guiding the franchise to the postseason twice to becoming a statistical giant, Carr’s legacy was undeniable. But what led to his unexpected release before the 2023 NFL season, and why did the New Orleans Saints make him a top priority during free agency?
The Raiders’ Decision to Part Ways
Carr etched his name in the Raiders’ history books, starting a remarkable 142 games, a record that comfortably placed him ahead of the legendary Ken Stabler. The era of prolific passing in the NFL allowed Carr to ascend the team’s statistical leaderboards. He attempted more passes, threw for more yards, and delivered more touchdowns than any other Raiders quarterback.
However, wins in the NFL are a team effort, and despite Carr’s individual accomplishments, the Raiders struggled to achieve consistency. Their 63-79 record in games started by Carr ultimately raised questions about the team’s performance under his leadership.
A significant turning point occurred when head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler took the reins of the Raiders in 2022. This new leadership ushered in a pivotal shift that would later impact Carr’s future with the team.
The Contract Extension That Raised Eyebrows
In April 2022, McDaniels and Ziegler offered Carr a three-year, $121.5 million contract extension, seemingly cementing his place with the Raiders. The deal was seen as providing offensive continuity, especially after the Raiders acquired Davante Adams from the Green Bay Packers that offseason, sending shockwaves across the league.
However, the fine print revealed a different story. While Carr received a minor pay bump for the 2022 season, the extension allowed the Raiders to retain flexibility and potentially cut ties with Carr after the season. A significant portion of Carr’s future earnings, approximately $40.5 million, depended on becoming fully guaranteed three deals after the Super Bowl.
The Raiders opted to make their decision before the regular season’s conclusion, benching Carr before Week 17 to prevent any injury guarantees from kicking in. While trade attempts were made, Carr’s no-trade clause, secured as part of his extension, gave him considerable leverage. Knowing he could choose his destination if released, Carr refused to waive his no-trade clause, forcing the Raiders to release him, creating substantial cap space.
The Saints’ Calculated Move
The New Orleans Saints had expressed interest in acquiring Carr from the Raiders even before his release. Meetings between Carr and the Saints’ management took place while he was still under contract with the Raiders. The two teams had even agreed on trade compensation if Carr had agreed to waive his no-trade authority.
However, Carr recognized the potential for a more appealing free-agent deal than his existing Raiders contract, which would have carried over in a trade. He saw no reason to compel his new club to surrender a draft pick to Las Vegas when he could simply sign with New Orleans after being released.
While the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers also showed interest after Carr’s release, the Saints consistently appeared to be the frontrunner. On March 6, approximately three weeks after parting ways with the Raiders, Carr finalized a four-year, $150 million contract with the Saints, including $60 million in fully guaranteed money. With an annual average value of $37.5 million, Carr became the NFL’s 14th-highest-paid quarterback.
The Saints had been searching for a long-term quarterback solution since Drew Brees’ retirement after the 2020 season. While Jameis Winston and Andy Dalton had their moments, neither fulfilled the franchise quarterback role. With Carr now in the fold, the Saints have committed to him for at least the next two years.
As Carr embarks on a new chapter in New Orleans, football enthusiasts eagerly await to see if he can deliver the results the Saints are seeking. His journey from the Raiders to the Saints is a testament to the complexities of NFL contracts and the strategic maneuvers that shape the league’s landscape.
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