Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr isn’t normally mentioned among the best quarterbacks in the league, but it may be time that he starts getting some recognition that he deserves. Carr might not put up eye-popping stats every week, but he is certainly in the top half of the league when it comes to quarterbacks. However, he could be a trade candidate this offseason and the Indianapolis Colts might be a team to watch.
What he was able to accomplish this season despite all of the distractions and injuries the team faced should be commended. He has been the steadying presence for a team that has lacked such things throughout his tenure with the franchise.
But, could the Wild Card loss to the Cincinnati Bengals be the last time we see Carr under center for the Raiders? This is an organization in a state of transition, as they will have a new leader in the front office and possibly on the sidelines in 2022.
General manager Mike Mayock was fired earlier this week and Jon Gruden resigned following some emails of his that were leaked during an investigation into the Washington Football Team. Interim head coach Rich Bisaccia is someone that Carr is pushing to take over as the full-time head coach, but he is far from a lock to land the gig.
Could the new front office look for a clean slate? If that is the case, Carr, whose contract expires following the 2022 season, could be on the move. If he is put on the trade block, one team to keep an eye on is the Indianapolis Colts.
Marc Sessler of NFL.com suggested the Colts as a potential landing spot for Carr, and it would make some sense. The Colts took a chance on Carson Wentz as their starting quarterback in 2021 but that decision backfired.
The loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 18 in a win and you’re in-game could have very well sealed Wentz’s fate with the team. Carr, on the other hand, dragged a depleted Raiders team to the postseason, winning the final four games of the season to get them there.
Carr would be an excellent fit for Indianapolis. They have an excellent offensive line and strong running game, two things that will ease Carr’s transition to a new franchise. Michael Pittman is an emerging No. 1 option at wide receiver, as the Colts have the makings of what would be a very strong offense with good quarterback play.
Indianapolis has been scrambling to fill the void at quarterback since Andrew Luck’s unexpected retirement. Turning 31 years old this year, Derek Carr could be the Colts’ quarterback for at least the next half-decade as they look to elevate themselves to contender status.
