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What once looked like it was going to be an amicable split now looks like it could get ugly.
The Las Vegas Raiders and Derek Carr are parting ways. That much has been known for weeks, maybe even months.
But it first appeared that the Raiders were happy to work out a trade for Carr and that Carr had no issues looking elsewhere. Since then, however, the water has gotten a little bit murky.
The Raiders reportedly prevented Carr from speaking with teams about a trade on his own terms. NFL Network’s Albert Breer said that Las Vegas didn’t want Carr to leverage his no-trade clause to get a better deal should they have to cut him.
There’s only one problem with that logic.
Carr still has the no-trade clause and appears visibly upset with the way the Raiders have handled the entire process. Now it appears that by trying to leverage trade talks, Las Vegas is going to miss out on any compensation altogether.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Sunday that Carr will now refuse any trade proposal and that the team will eventually release him.
Sources: #Raiders QB Derek Carr has informed the team he won’t accept a trade to the #Saints or any other team. The team is expected to release him and he’ll be a top free agent. pic.twitter.com/k0LcLRlDOo
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 12, 2023
“Sources: #Raiders QB Derek Carr has informed the team he won’t accept a trade to the #Saints or any other team. The team is expected to release him and he’ll be a top free agent,” the tweet read.
Carr, a four-time Pro Bowler, made it clear that he doesn’t plan on helping out his current team. He’s previously stated he won’t extend the Feb. 15 deadline for a $40.4 million roster bonus.
Las Vegas, meanwhile, could be stuck holding the bag if they don’t cut him prior to that date. And with a slew of expensive quarterbacks linked to them, the added salary could be prohibitive.
It’s an ugly situation for all involved. But it appears Carr is position well to come out on top.