NFL Rumors: Derek Carr Stepping Away from Raiders for Final 2 Games After Benching

According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Carr is taking a break from the team for the final two games.

Carr and the Raiders decided that he should leave the team. Rapoport said that he wouldn't practice with the team and wouldn't be listed as injured.

The San Francisco 49ers will have a backup plan in place for Sunday's game. The New EnglandPatriots were traded to the Raiders in an off-season deal.

Carr was being benched. According to Jeremy Fowler, the move was made to preserve his health for a potential trade this winter.

The news of Carr being benched came as a bit of a surprise after he signed a three-year, $121.5 million extension with the team in April. The veteran's performance this season has been poor.

In 15 games, Carr has completed 60.8 percent of his passes for 3,522 yards and 24 touchdown. His 60.8 completion percentage is the lowest it has been in his two seasons in the league.

The Raiders are in third place in the AFC West with a 6-9 record. The offense has been disappointing this season after the addition of Davante Adams, Carr's favorite target.

It makes sense for Carr to be benched with the Raiders expected to miss the playoffs.

If Carr were to suffer an injury in the last two games of the season, his 2023 salary, which is $32.9 million, and part of his 2024 salary, worth $7.5 million, would become fully guaranteed. If Carr is still on the team, those figures will be guaranteed.

There are a number of teams that would like to trade for Carr. The Washington Commanders, New Orleans Saints, Indianapolis Colts, New York Jets and Carolina Panthers could all use a new quarterback in the near future.

If Carr is released, teams could wait and see. Las Vegas would only take on a dead cap hit if Carr was cut before June 1.