Weird things always happen when it gets close to the draft. This offseason is no exception. Just six days remain until things kick off. Right on cue, Ian Rapoport dropped a little knowledge that on the surface seemed fairly innocent but had huge implications behind it. Apparently, the Las Vegas Raiders have done “extensive” work on the 2021 quarterback class and are fully prepared to take one if a top name happens to slide. Yet another sign that the team is prepared to move on from Derek Carr.
All they need is the right moment. One must feel bad for the veteran quarterback. He’s been such a good player for that franchise since he was drafted in 2014 and is coming off one of his best seasons, throwing 27 touchdowns and just nine interceptions. Yet for whatever reason, head coach Jon Gruden seems unwilling to commit to him. Carr’s been the subject of trade speculation for over a year now.
This is merely the latest nudge in that direction.
It seems like a yearly ritual, but once again, the #Raiders did extensive work on all the top QBs, I’m told. If one slides past No. 10, they could be a team to watch to grab a QB and stash for the future. Doubtful that a QB gets to No. 17, but they will have their homework ready.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 23, 2021
Case in point: #Raiders GM Mike Mayock was a staple at all the QB Pro Days. https://t.co/y5T6K7jrjv
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 23, 2021
That begs an interesting question. If a team gave the Raiders the incentive to go after a quarterback they might want in this draft, could they potentially secure Carr in return? Maybe a team like the Chicago Bears for instance? While Andy Dalton might be the penciled-in starter, it’s not a hard sell to think they’d view Carr as an instant upgrade and somebody they can build around moving forward.
By giving Las Vegas their 20th pick and perhaps their 1st in 2022 as well, the Raiders would have more than enough ammunition to jump into the top 10 for whichever quarterback they may desire. Then they can stash said player for a year behind Marcus Mariota who can be their bridge starter for 2021.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYgrVz_Dj6c&t=4s&ab_channel=SportsProductions
Derek Carr isn’t Russell Wilson but he is worth pursuing
In truth, this sort of scenario is one GM Ryan Pace and head coach Matt Nagy would favor. Carr is far less of a gamble than a top draft pick would be. He’s 30-years old. Though not young it’s a safe bet he should be able to play for at least five to six more years. Even more if he manages to stay healthy. He has the arm strength to handle the Soldier Field weather conditions with ease and would be welcomed with open arms by Bears fans.
Back in February, Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas-Review Journal revealed the Raiders might make Carr available. At the time, that was if the team felt they could make a push to get Deshaun Watson. Could a few months of evaluating this draft class have changed their minds? It is certainly possible. The timing of this revelation can’t be ignored. It isn’t hard to think it might be a strategic leak by the Raiders saying Derek Carr is available if the guy they want is still there beyond the #3 pick next weekend.
Or this is just the NFL’s way of drumming up excitement.
The thing to remember about Gruden is he’s unpredictable. This is the guy who traded Khalil Mack. The guy who just gutted his entire offensive line in one offseason. Nobody knows what that man is thinking. Yet they do know when he makes his mind up, he’ll do it. If he is ready to move on from Carr and get a young QB he covets? The Raiders are going to make that change and not look back.