With the Derek Carr era officially over in Las Vegas, attention has turned to what the Raiders plan to do at the quarterback position. An acquisition of some kind is all-but assured this offseason, but it might not entail one the team views as a cornerstone of the future. 
Carr’s release leaves the Raiders with only Jarrett Stidham and Chase Garbers on the roster at the moment. The former – who took over as the starter after Carr was benched for the final two games of the regular season – is a pending free agent, albeit one which Vegas would no doubt like to keep in the fold after his brief 2022 audition. The former Patriots fourth-rounder lost both of his starts, but flashed potential in an overtime loss to the 49ers in particular.
Vegas traded for Stidham, 26, last offseason to add depth at the position and reunite him with head coach Josh McDaniels. Their time together in 2022 likely earned the Auburn product an extended stay with the Silver and Black, but the Raiders have the financial wherewithal to make a significant addition ahead of him on the depth chart in free agency. The seventh overall pick in April’s draft will also likely give them an opportunity to select one of this class’ top passers. A more short-term plan might be in play, however.
During an appearance on the Bussin’ With the Boys podcast, Raiders general manager Dave Ziegler addressed the team’s uncertain future under center. “We’re in charge of filling the most important position on the team,” he said. “There’s some pressure that comes along with that, and however we fill it, it doesn’t mean we’re going to have an immediate answer this year. But, at the end of the day, we have to have an answer in some form or fashion. There’s pressure that comes along with it. That’s also part of the excitement too.”
The arrival of Ziegler and McDaniels pointed to a multiyear retool of a team which made the playoffs in 2021. However, expectations were raised after the additions of several big-name players, including Davante Adams and Chandler Jones, making the team’s 6-11 season a notable disappointment. A bridge veteran such as Jimmy Garoppolo would be a logical addition to help lead a rebound in 2023, while Stidham or a younger option are groomed for a later ascension to the No. 1 role.
Of course, the possibility remains that Stidham is given the reins via a prove-it contract, leaving the Raiders free to draft a developmental option in the spring. The money saved by going that route would allow for additions elsewhere, particularly on defense. At some point, though, a true Carr successor will need to be found, and pressure will certainly increase on Ziegler and Co. until one is acquired.
Forcing out Carr without having any sort of immediate plan to move forwards at QB long term, is clueless management, especially after trading for an elite now 30 year old WR. Let Carr be your bridge QB, and then dump him when you’re ready to pounce on a possible franchise QB. Carr was already their best short term veteran option.
Not sure what McDaniels is thinking either. How long does he think he has left after a disappointing Year 1, to mess around at QB? He has two years max to find a QB before he’s crawling back to NE begging Belichick for his old job back.
I’d have kept him. All the decisions for the Raiders are problematic at this point. To acquire a winning QB will either cost money, picks, or both. Or they won;t land anyone capable of reaching the playoffs.
And #7 is too late in the draft to land an elite QB.
Great plan! Lose in year 2.
Dear Raider Nation,
We won’t be winning any time soon.
Regards,
Dave Ziegler
Listen to Jarett Stidham podcast called the quick game podcast
The plan was brady but Brady retired. Whole world thought brady was going to do one more season after he went through that divorce.
I’m kind of at a loss as to why any front office type would say this. Kind of like a ticket agent telling prospective passenger of a cruise ship that hey, there are icebergs out there and we’re likely to hit one
Gee. Thanks
If Stidham was the answer he’d already be starting somewhere. The Raiders made a mistake overpaying Carr and being the cheap organization they are they simply wanted to ditch his contract as soon as possible – regardless of whether the team will win a game in 2023.
The Raiders made a mistake hiring Zeigler and McDaniels. They were playing well with Carr and coach Rich B.
Successful franchises don’t tear everything down every time they gain some momentum.
I agree completely. Never ever should have fired Rich B. But Bowlhead hair cut MD wanted a “big splash” coach. Just like Gruden. How we lookin now?
I totally agree
I hate to say it, especially since Crosby & Adams are great players, but it might be time for a complete rebuild.
First they need to acquire a QB, and that’ll be expensive, if they acquire someone good. And then where will they be? They can score, but it isn’t a great offense. The defense will still stink.
So maybe a good QB, on a good year, maybe gets them to 9-8, maybe 10-7 if they stay healthy? This feels like every other year since 2002. Running in place for 20+ years has me less than enthused.
He LL I’d take 9-8 at this point!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is the exact same gameplan from McDaniels’ playbook in Denver. Force out franchise QB and then….what happened?
I thought the Raiders had established a record low when they had a QB depth chart that included Nathan Peterman, Mike Glennon and DeShone Kizer but they might find a way to do even worse than that now.
Well for starters Stidham isn’t on the roster and is a free agent so might wanna edit this post. Also just because he said they might not find their long term answer at QB this off-season doesn’t mean they don’t have a plan.
“just because he said they might not find their long term answer at QB this off-season doesn’t mean they don’t have a plan.”
I’ve been a Raider fan for > 50 years. It is implied that they don’t have a plan. They’ve been completely rudderless for five years now, and partially rudderless for the ten years prior to that.
They no longer have a QB, and who are the choices? Trade for Jackson and hope to return to .500+, but without draft picks? Acquire Rodgers and his salary? Sign Garoppolo?
Draft a QB in a weak QB class?