Getty The Buccaneers are in the market for a new quarterback. Would either Aaron Rodgers or Derek Carr fit in Tampa Bay?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may need to get creative to land their next quarterback, including exploring the trade market. One quarterback who is constantly in trade rumors is Raiders three-time Pro Bowler Derek Carr.
Bleacher Report’s Michelle Bruton has predicted the Raiders will trade Carr in order to acquire Jimmy Garoppolo from the San Francisco 49ers. The Buccaneers-Raiders deal is among Bruton’s “boldest roster moves” predicted for this offseason.
“In addition to those decisions, Tampa Bay must find a new quarterback since rookie Kyle Trask is the only one signed beyond this season,” Bruton wrote in a February 3 column. “BetOnline.ag has current San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo as the most likely option for the Bucs. … But why not Derek Carr?
“After Russell Wilson, Aaron Rodgers and Deshaun Watson, Carr is the best quarterback whose name is frequently mentioned in trade rumors, and it’s hard to imagine the Seattle Seahawks or Green Bay Packers trading their respective signal-callers within the conference if they can help it.
“Carr played all 17 games in 2021, throwing for 4,804 yards and 23 touchdowns against 14 picks. The Bucs currently own draft pick Nos. 60 and 91 overall, which could be packaged in a trade (however many firsts Wilson and Rodgers command, if they are traded, would likely set the market for Carr).”
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Carr Has One Year Remaining on His Contract
Carr is entering the final season of his five-year, $125 million contract and is slated to earn $19.7 million in 2022. There is a growing buzz that the Raiders hope to extend Carr this offseason, but his current setup would give the Bucs a year to work with the quarterback before making a decision on his future. The Athletic’s Greg Auman explained why Carr could be a viable trade option for the Buccaneers.
“Las Vegas has a new coach and general manager, so what if Josh McDaniels (the coach) and Dave Ziegler (the GM) aren’t sold on Carr as the Raiders’ answer,” Auman explained on February 1. “Could Arians get the same quarterback bargain from the same team that sent him (former NFL quarterback Carson) Palmer? Carr turns 31 in March, and his 2021 stat line (4,804 yards, 23 TDs, 14 INTs) looks like a Palmer line — prolific, but underwhelming enough that his team could move on to a younger model. He’s due to make just under $20 million in the final season of a five-year, $125 million contract, so he’s more manageable cap-wise than some of the other trade options.”
What Would a Trade for Carr Cost the Bucs?
ESPN laid out a trade scenario worth mentioning as a reference point. The proposed deal has Washington sending Las Vegas the No. 11 pick in the 2022 NFL draft and a conditional fourth-round pick in 2023 for Carr.
The Buccaneers’ No. 27 pick is a lot less appealing, but Tampa could offer additional draft capital to make up the difference. Carr’s hypothetical trade value is hard to gauge given he has just one year remaining on his contract. Heading into the 2020 Bucs-Raiders matchup, head coach Bruce Arians was complimentary of Carr’s progression as an NFL quarterback.
“I think just the amount of time he’s spent with Jon [Gruden] now and knowing the offense,” Arians told reporters during an October 21, 2020, press conference. “And he’s a gym rat. He’s in the office all the time studying. … And Derek is protecting the football better.”
Raiders Are ‘Moving Forward’ With Carr as Their Quarterback: Report
Derek Carr’s best throws on the move/scrambling from 2021
Despite Arians’ admiration of Carr, all signs point to the Raiders hanging on to their quarterback. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on February 13 that the Raiders are “moving forward” with Carr as their QB1.
“For years, it appeared Derek Carr’s future with the Raiders was in doubt,” Rapoport wrote. “Whenever former coach Jon Gruden had the opportunity to fully support him, he often left it open.
“With new coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler officially on board, Carr is finally set to receive the support that has eluded him. Sources say the Raiders are moving forward with Carr at QB and prepared to discuss a contract extension that would keep him in Las Vegas for the foreseeable future.”