by The Raiders have 16 days to figure out a potential trade for quarterback Derek Carr before the future settlement of $40.4 million becomes fully guaranteed. So why didn’t they give Carr permission to try and find a suitor?
Here’s the problem. The Raiders likely fear those discussions would result in a winking understanding that Carr will tell the Raiders that he won’t waive his non-trade clause, forcing a release and thus allowing him to get more than the new team would be willing to. pay, if he has to compensate the Raiders as well.
In Carr’s view, it’s better to be cut than traded. He picks his destination, maximizes his compensation, and his new team can pay him more because he didn’t have to send a draft pick or two to his old team.
The Raiders are smart enough to realize this. Thus, the goal for now appears to be to prevent Carr from finding out what is behind door #1. weapons and refuse to cooperate.
Then there is this possibility. The Raiders, instead of cutting it, will keep it. And keep it. And keep it until they get the deal they want.
It would be similar to what the Browns did with Baker Mayfield. Yes, he had a salary of $19.9 million for 2022. But he had no place to play. And the longer it played out, the harder it would be for him to prepare for the regular season.
Ultimately, he gave up $4.6 million and the Browns saved $9.4 million.
The Raiders actually could benefit from sitting on Carr until after the veteran quarterback’s upcoming musical chairs play ends. Assuming at least one team in need of quarterbacks doesn’t get the guy they want, the Raiders will operate from a position of strength.
If, in contract, they rush to close a deal for Carr before Feb. 15, they will be operating from a position of weakness.
If that’s what the Raiders are doing, it’s a good bet. A $40.4 million bet, more than double the $19.9 million wagered by the Browns.
Carr might just say, “Okay. I’ll show up for practice and games, cash your checks, and not play. They can’t shut him out if he wants to be there.
But the Raiders could bank on the fact that Carr desperately doesn’t want to be there, and also desperately wants to be anywhere else. This is the way to get him to cut enough of that $40.4 million to facilitate a trade, even if the Raiders end up paying some of it.
It’s much better than paying for everything.
The Raiders may be planning to deal with Derek Carr, who originally appeared on Pro Football Talk for now
