Las Vegas Raiders release quarterback Derek Carr

The Las Vegas Raiders have released quarterback Derek Carr, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The move was expected after Carr used the no-trade clause in his contract to reject a trade to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.

Carr has spent the entirety of his nine-year career to this point with the Raiders, leading them to just two playoff appearances in that span. He now becomes a free agent with the opportunity to receive an even bigger payday than the $40.4 million he was already set to receive if he stayed in Las Vegas in 2023.

Raiders officially informed QB Derek Carr that he has been released, per source. Team released him before $40.4 million in his contract became guaranteed today.

Carr is now a free agent and is expected to draw interest from the Saints and Panthers, amongst others. pic.twitter.com/X2v6pDecqP

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 14, 2023

Derek Carr leaves the Raiders as the franchise’s all-time leading passer with 35,222 yards, 217 touchdowns and 99 interceptions. He has made four Pro Bowl appearances over his career including this past season. Carr threw for 3,522 yards, 24 touchdowns and 14 interceptions as Las Vegas finished 6-11 in 2022.

Unlike most free agents, Carr will not have to wait until March to sign with his new team. His release from the Raiders enables him to sign as soon as he wishes.

Potential landing spots for Derek Carr

Although Carr declined a trade to the Saints, he did so strategically to force Las Vegas to release him. NFL insider Ian Rapoport told ESPN’s Pat McAfee that there is a “mutual interest” between the franchise and Carr to bring him to New Orleans. He also listed the Panthers, Jets and Titans as potential landing spots.

The Saints are coming off of a 7-10 finish in 2022 that saw them miss the playoffs for the second straight season. New Orleans started Andy Dalton at quarterback for most of last season after Jameis Winston went down with injury. If Carr ends up on the Saints, he’d join talented offensive playmakers such as Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave and Michael Thomas.

The Titans and Panthers are had 7-10 finishes in 2022. Both teams overhauled their coaching staffs this offseason, with Carolina bringing in Frank Reich from Indianapolis as its next head coach. Other teams in the market for a new quarterback include Atlanta, Tampa Bay and Washington.