Derek Carr Open to Signing 1-Day Raiders Contract; Yet to Retire Officially
Derek Carr, the all-time leader in passing yards and touchdown passes for the Las Vegas Raiders, has expressed interest in signing a one-day contract to retire as a member of the team. His relationship with the Raiders ended awkwardly in 2022, following his ninth season. After leaving the Raiders, he signed with the New Orleans Saints in March 2023.
Derek Carr’s Consideration for Raiders Retirement
During a recent episode of his podcast, “Home Grown,” Carr stated, “I would love to sign a one-day contract. I just don’t know how all that stuff works with me being under contract with the Saints.” Although Carr has not officially retired, he remains open to the idea of returning to the Raiders in a ceremonial capacity.
Current Contract Status
Carr’s current obligations complicate his retirement plans. He mentioned, “We haven’t gotten to that point, and David [Carr] keeps getting on me because I haven’t signed retirement papers.” This indicates that Carr is still technically a member of the Saints. Signing retirement papers could signal a permanent exit from the league, but Carr may have intentions to play again.
Legacy with the Raiders
Former Raiders’ General Manager Mike Mayock recently discussed Carr’s legacy during an interview. He acknowledged Carr’s skill level, commenting on his ability to perform well despite the team’s challenges. “He played 11 years at a high level,” Mayock said, while also reflecting on the instability Carr faced in terms of management and coaching.
Trade Rumors and Coaching Changes
Throughout his tenure with the Raiders, Carr was the subject of persistent trade rumors. Mayock recalled the offseasons where speculation about Carr’s future kept the media buzzing. While both Mayock and head coach Jon Gruden left the possibility of a trade open, it became clear that the organization was not interested in replacing Carr with Tom Brady.
Potential Brady Signing
UFC president Dana White revealed an almost-completed deal to bring Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski to the Raiders. “Gruden blew the deal up and said he didn’t want them,” White stated, emphasizing the significant missed opportunity for the Raiders organization.
Conclusion
As of now, Derek Carr is contemplating the next steps in his career while keeping open the possibility of retiring as a Raider. His legacy in Las Vegas remains a topic of discussion, particularly regarding the conditions he faced during his time with the team.
- Passing Yards: 35,222 (Raiders All-Time Leader)
- Touchdown Passes: 217 (Raiders All-Time Leader)
- Contract with Saints: Until formally retired
