Credit: Unsplash

Carr was released before his contract deadline.

Back in 2021, Derek Carr, quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders, said in an interview that, in the event he ever left the team, he would probably retire from the NFL rather than play for someone else. That claim will be put to the test, because this week, Carr was released from his Raiders contract.

After he declined to waive his no-trade clause and before his contract deadline came up, Carr was released from his contract. It is not known what Carr will receive monetarily speaking for this severance, as he left before roughly $40 million from his contract was guaranteed.

“We have a lot of respect for Derek Carr and what he has meant to the Raiders organization for the last nine years,” Raiders coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler said in a joint statement. “Derek has done great things in this league and we’re thankful to have been able to work with him this past year. He is a true professional and we appreciate his hard work in striving to produce the results we all desire. We wish Derek and his family all the best in the future.”

Raiders officially informed QB Derek Carr that he has been released, per source. Team released him before $40.4 million in his contract became guaranteed today.

Carr is now a free agent and is expected to draw interest from the Saints and Panthers, amongst others. pic.twitter.com/X2v6pDecqP

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 14, 2023

“We wish the @Raiders the best of luck,” Carr’s agent, Tim Younger, said in a tweeted statement. “This is the tough part of this business. That’s the point; it’s just business. Time now to reset for both sides. Derek chooses to hold on to many good memories and friendships, without any ill will. That’s who he is. Onward and upward.”