Quarterback Derek Carr has said goodbye to the Las Vegas Raiders in an emotional statement. “It breaks my heart that I can’t say goodbye in person. It’s been a real rollercoaster ride in our nine years together,” wrote the 31-year-old on social media.
Carr joined the Oakland-based Raiders as a second-round pick in 2014 and took over as a starter. By the time he was benched before the penultimate game of the current season, he had only missed three games. Although he had signed a contract extension in the spring, the Raiders prevented his salary of more than 30 million euros from being guaranteed in the coming year. This would have been the case in the event of an injury.
Carr, who made the playoffs twice with the Raiders and was selected to the Pro Bowl three times, continued: “I still have that fire burning in me to want to win a title. A fire that nobody can quench – but God.” He is looking forward to “a new city, a new team that will get everything I have to give. Winning a title is what I always wanted and what I will continue to work towards.”
While Las Vegas ended the season with 2019 Patriots fourth-round pick Jarrett Stidham as QB and missed the playoffs with a 6-11 record despite star players like Davante Adams and Josh Jacobs, Carr continues with a different team. The Raiders will now try to find a trade partner for the veteran who is willing to take Carr’s salary. The New York Jets are traded, among others. Alternatively, a dismissal would also be conceivable. Conversely, the Raiders must also find a solution in the most important position.
