Derek Carr of the Raiders Leaves Team After Reduction, Per Reports

Derek Carr, the experienced quarterback, may not even play for the Raiders for the remainder of the season, according to Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels, who revealed on the same day that Carr would be benched for the team’s next two games.

It has been reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport that Carr will be absent from the team during Weeks 17 and 18, per an agreement reached between the team and himself. According to Jeff Howe of The Athletic, the intention is to avoid causing any distractions while Las Vegas plays home games against the 49ers and Chiefs to wrap up the season.

Carr will be replaced as the Raiders’ starting quarterback by Jarrett Stidham. Even though Stidham is in his fourth season in the NFL, he has not yet started a regular-season game.

When announcing the trade, McDaniels stated, “None of us is happy with where we’re at, but we think it’s an opportunity to evaluate a younger player who hasn’t had much time to play.” “I had a great conversation with Derek; he understood the situation we were in and was very supportive of the two guys.”

Despite a 6-9 record in the AFC, the Raiders are still in the running for the playoffs. If the club loses its next game, Las Vegas will be out of the playoffs; a win by the Dolphins or Jets will have the same effect.

Carr was drafted by the Raiders with the 36th overall pick in 2014, and he has been a member of the team for his whole career. Over the course of nine seasons, he has made 142 starts, been selected to three Pro Bowls, and set team marks for passing yards (35,222), completions (3,201), and touchdown passes (217).