One of the bigger quarterback stories not enough people are talking about lately is Derek Carr. The three-time Pro Bowler for the new Las Vegas Raiders seemed to have a solid season in 2019. He threw for 4,054 yards, 21 touchdowns and just eight interceptions with a 100.8 passer rating. A lot of teams would kill for that kind of production. Yet apparently Raiders head coach Jon Gruden has not been overly impressed.
One must remember the rumors about the Raiders considering a change at quarterback began way back in 2019.
Those have only gained traction after the team failed to make the playoffs. Gruden did not commit to Carr as the starter for 2020 and there are rampant rumors he has eyes on other possibilities from Jameis Winston in free agency to Justin Herbert in the draft. Does this mean the Raiders would actually trade Carr? That's the growing belief. Not only that, but Levi Damien of Raiders Wire believes he thinks the team can get a favorable price in return.
One he might not realize is actually rather cheap.
"Uneasiness in their current situation and confidence they could be the one to get all the best qualities out of a clearly physically gifted quarterback like Carr. When uneasiness turns to desperation a team could easily send a 2nd round pick to the Raiders for Carr. By the way, the Raiders don’t currently have a 2nd round pick, so that would come in handy."
Derek Carr would be a fascinating gamble for the Bears
Let's examine this situation. Carr will be 29-years old this year. His salary cap hit for 2020 will be $21.5 million with an additional two years left on his current contract. Expensive but not terrible. He's thrown for 4,000 yards in each of his past two seasons with 40 touchdowns and 18 interceptions and hasn't missed a single game in that time. He has a rocket right arm that would fit in outdoor stadiums with weather conditions to tackle as well.
Does this not sound like a great possibility for the Bears?
They have two 2nd round picks at their disposal and a clear need at quarterback. It wouldn't be that hard to free up the necessary money to absorb his contract and if it doesn't work out the Bears could easily dump him next season with minimal financial impact. GM Ryan Pace has already made two notable deals with Gruden's Raiders for Khalil Mack and Eddy Pineiro. If they're willing to give up a solid starting quarterback for that kind of price, why not go for #3?
They could use what resources they have left to bolster the rest of the roster. Then if Carr works out, they have their QB situation set for at least two more years, allowing them to focus on reloading the roster.
