The Derek Carr era in Las Vegas appears to be over.
On Wednesday, Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels announced the benching of the veteran signal-caller and said he will be inactive for the team’s Week 17 showdown with the San Francisco 49ers.
McDaniel said the decision was made because “it’s an opportunity to evaluate a younger player.”
With Carr inactive, the Raiders plan to start Jarrett Stidham under center with undrafted rookie Chase Garbers serving as the backup. It will be the first start of Stidham’s NFL career.
Head Coach Josh McDaniels addresses the QB position. pic.twitter.com/1rdhTSsNKr
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) December 28, 2022
Carr has thrown a league-leading 14 interceptions, including three in the team’s most recent loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Eve.
When discussing Carr’s future in Las Vegas, McDaniel said, “There is a lot to be sorted once the season is over.”
Many believe the benching of Carr is all but guaranteeing he will play elsewhere in 2023.
Derek Carr's benching suggests the Raiders will free up $29.25M of 2023 salary cap space by parting ways with him. If a trade can't be agreed upon before the 3rd day of 2023 waiver period (2/15) when Carr's $32.9M 2023 base salary & $7.5M of 2024 are fully GTD, he'll be released.
— Joel Corry (@corryjoel) December 28, 2022
The Raiders sit at 6-9 on the season and are still in the playoff hunt, but they face an uphill battle and slim chance of making the postseason. But after benching the starting quarterback, you can all but shut the door on any hope of pulling off a miracle.
