Raiders release QB Derek Carr before contract deadline

HENDERSON, Nev. — The Las Vegas Raiders released Derek Carr on Tuesday after the veteran quarterback declined to waive his no-trade clause and just before more than $40 million of his contract would have become guaranteed.

«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.»

As such, Carr, who said in 2021 he would «probably» retire rather than play for a team other than the Raiders, hits the open market a month before the start of the NFL's new league year, on March 15. And the Raiders, who have only one quarterback under contract, Chase Garbers, are searching for a full-time starter at QB for the first time since Carr won the job as a rookie in 2014.

«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.»

Per sources, only one team was interested in a trade for Carr and that team wanted him to take a pay cut. Carr, who turns 32 on March 28, visited with the New Orleans Saints last week.

Had Carr still been on Las Vegas' roster Wednesday, his full $32.9 million salary for 2023 would have become guaranteed, as would $7.5