In a surprising move last year, the Las Vegas Raiders decided to part ways with franchise quarterback Derek Carr, leaving the veteran both disappointed and angered.
Despite two games remaining in the regular season and a potential playoff berth on the line, financial considerations and injury guarantees played a significant role in the team’s decision.
Carr’s 2022 season as the Raiders starting quarterback was marked by struggles. He recorded the second-worst completion percentage of his career (60.8%) and posted a passer rating of 86.3, also the second-worst in his tenure.. He also threw 14 interceptions, tying his career high.
However, Carr found a new home with the New Orleans Saints, where he has embraced a fresh start.
Reflecting on his departure from the Raiders, Carr recently expressed his frustration. “I was, for lack of a better term, I was very upset. I was mad,” he revealed in an interview with the Fresno Bee.
“You spend nine years in a place, you have all the records and you can play at a high level and for something to get in the way, whether it was whatever reason, money related or whatever, injury related, I would have said I don’t even want the money, just to play two more times in front of our fans. I didn’t get that opportunity. So, it definitely lit a fire inside me to keep going.”
When asked if he would have reconsidered his decision had the Raiders expressed a desire to retain him, Carr firmly stated that his wife’s emotional response had impacted his stance.
“Once they made my wife cry, that was pretty much over,” he admitted. “Once they made her cry, that was out. But the love for my teammates is what probably would have made me do it.”
“The way it worked out and the timing of things, I was just…it was time for me to move on. But who knows? You never know what will happen.”
Despite the bitter ending to his Raiders career, Carr remains supportive of his former team’s success. Over his nine seasons with the franchise, he became a central figure, setting records as the all-time passing leader (35,222 yards) and the all-time passing touchdowns leader (217). He also ranked second in wins (63).
Nevertheless, the Raiders struggled to achieve consistent success during Carr’s tenure, marked by multiple coaching changes and a porous defense.
Reflecting on the challenges, Carr acknowledged, “If you win more games and you keep being productive, you stay there forever. But we didn’t win enough games, and that’s the kind of stuff that happens with all the turnover of coaches, with all the different things.”
“Eventually, the last guy in the room is usually going to be out at some point. And that’s really what happened.”
Carr’s resilience was obvious as he endured numerous coaching changes, demonstrating his leadership and commitment to the franchise.
“I’ve survived about 20 coaches, and that’s how it goes, and it is what it is,” Carr said.
He expressed contentment with his new home in New Orleans, emphasizing the stability and success the Saints organization has enjoyed over the years.
“I’m happy to be somewhere where we’re in a stable organization that’s been proven for years,” he continued. “I hope that the Raiders find something good there too, where they can keep that stability for the next guys because I know how important it is.”
“I care about my old teammates. But for the time being, I’m just excited to be a part of the Saints organization because they’ve won at a high level for a long time.”
As Carr embarks on a new chapter in New Orleans, he aims to make the most of the stability and success the Saints offer while remaining supportive of his former teammates.