Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr was an oft-discussed name in the rumor mill last offseason, and he might be a potential trade candidate again this spring.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported Tuesday the Raiders might try to trade Carr in exchange for draft capital, which they could then flip in a package for disgruntled Houston Texans star Deshaun Watson. It is also believed Las Vegas might be able to get a pair of first-rounders for Carr.
It is hard to blame the Raiders for possibly pursuing avenues leading them to Watson. The 25-year-old has already established himself as one of the best quarterbacks in football, a superstar who—along with Patrick Mahomes—could very well define the league in the coming years.
Still, Derek Carr is hardly a slouch. The former second-round pick is coming off a season in which he threw for 4,103 yards and 27 touchdowns against nine interceptions. Carr will only be 30 in March and has looked stronger in each of the past three seasons. He projects well as a guy who very well could quarterback for a contending team.
Which teams might make a play for Carr? Here are the four best trade destinations for the Raiders quarterback heading into the offseason.
4. Denver Broncos
It is entirely possible the Broncos select their next franchise quarterback in the upcoming NFL draft.
Denver has the ninth overall pick this April and could try to move up to possibly select someone like Justin Fields. Or, the Broncos could trade back and take a Mac Jones out of Alabama with the intent of letting him and Drew Lock compete for the starting quarterback role.
However, the Broncos have the means to acquire Carr and could use a more established leader under center. Denver might also hope to use its draft capital on making defensive upgrades, particularly if the Broncos elect to cut ties with guys like A.J. Bouye, Jurrell Casey or even Von Miller.
Denver has some excellent talent on the offensive side of the football. Jerry Jeudy struggled with drops in his rookie campaign, but still showcased his big-play ability (16.5 yards per receptions) and route-running skills. The Broncos will also get Courtland Sutton back from a torn ACL, and Noah Fant is a very physically gifted tight end.
A steadier passing game could result in a more efficient rushing attack, as well, and Melvin Gordon could be reinvigorated as a pass-catcher.
The Broncos have a fairly solid foundation to win now, with a combination of young talent and strong veterans. Denver will have some navigating to do when it comes to star safety Justin Simmons and Shelby Harris. But the Broncos should also try to make Carr part of their offseason plans if they do not intend to draft a quarterback.
3. New England Patriots
It is not like Bill Belichick to give up draft capital for a quarterback. But the Pats have a lot of flexibility entering this offseason.
New England has the 15th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. The Pats also have a pair of fourth-rounders (two are compensatory picks). They will have decisions on eight opt-outs and currently project to have the fourth-most cap space in the NFL, per Over The Cap.
The cap space is especially important. It affords New England the chance to make defensive upgrades while using draft capital to choose from a deep receiving class. Alternatively, the Pats could use some cap space to spend on a top free-agent wideout.
Either way, New England needs a quarterback.
The Cam Newton experiment looked like a winner early on. But Newton's inefficiency and inability to throw the ball downfield grew more apparent as the year progressed. It seems likely the Pats will go in a different direction. Only, Jarrett Stidham does not appear to be the answer, either.
New England can make Derek Carr the official face of the post–Tom Brady era. Carr's affinity for using tight ends might also bode well in Josh McDaniels' offensive system, and the Pats figure to add talent at wide receiver in the offseason.
2. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts missed out on Matthew Stafford. Why not go after Carr?
No, Carr does not boast the same kind of arm talent as Stafford. But he is a pinpoint guy who excels on quick-hitter actions.
Carr ranked ninth in football in on-target percentage, per Pro Football Reference. Conversely, Carr was above league-average in terms of bad throw percentage. Might he be even more effective in a more balanced rushing scheme?
The Colts ranked 10th in the NFL in rushing attempts, also ranking 11th in rushing yards and 14th in yards per carry. Jonathan Taylor figures to get even more usage in Year 2 after his tremendous stretch of games to finish the year, which could help Carr improve his play-action tendencies.
Like the Patriots, the Colts have the cap space to absorb Carr's contract. Indy projects to have the second-most cap space in football, per Over The Cap, with some of that possibly going to a top wide receiver in the event the Colts do not re-sign T.Y.Hilton.
Also like New England, the Colts' offensive line is a big upgrade from that of the Raiders. Injuries to Richie Incognito and Trent Brown resulted in Las Vegas coming in at 24th on Pro Football Focus' offensive line rankings. Conversely, the Colts ranked seventh in a “down year,” and figure to address the tackle spot after Anthony Castonzo's retirement.
The Colts have an excellent offensive front, a strong running game and talented receivers like Michael Pittman Jr. and Parris Campbell. They figure to add depth at wideout, and also boast one of the strongest defenses in football. The quarterback spot remains the one question mark, one Indy could address by trading for Derek Carr.
1. Miami Dolphins
I know, I know. Miami very well could be a top destination for Deshaun Watson. But… is it possible Carr actually makes more sense? Hear me out with this one.
Should the Dolphins trade for Watson, they will almost assuredly have to give up the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. But the Raiders might not demand that much of Miami.
The Dolphins could pivot. They could try to retain Tua Tagovailoa while also dealing future draft capital to Las Vegas.
Possibly adding extra future draft picks might hurt. But keeping both the No. 3 pick and Tagovailoa would be massive in this scenario.
For starters, the Dolphins could use the No. 3 pick on a star receiver like Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith, or possibly Oregon offensive tackle Penei Sewell. Either selection would drastically improve Miami's offense, and the Dolphins also have the cap to address other areas.
As for retaining Tua, that would be something of an insurance policy. Carr's contract does not carry a dead-cap hit in 2022. Should he struggle in 2021, the Dolphins can cut him and hand the keys back to Tagovailoa.
There is no question the Dolphins would prefer to cement the future of the quarterback position by acquiring Watson. However, if the price is too high, going after Carr could provide some intriguing possibilities for the future.
Besides, Derek Carr is coming off a career-high 71.0 total QBR. He very well could be the solution for the Dolphins.
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