3 reasons the Carolina Panthers should avoid Derek Carr trade
By Dean Jones
Trading for Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr should be avoided at all costs by the Carolina Panthers in 2023.
After the Carolina Panthers appoint their next head coach, the first order of business is to solve their riddle under center. This is a franchise in desperate need of a stable solution at the quarterback spot, with a series of personnel failures putting pay to Matt Rhule’s chances of ever making a successful go of things as head coach.
One signal-caller that looks set for a move is Derek Carr. His emotional goodbye message to Las Vegas Raiders fans came after his benching down the stretch, with front-office figures examining trade possibilities before his salary becomes fully guaranteed after the Super Bowl.
According to Ian Rappaport of the NFL Network, the Panthers are among those being linked with Carr. Something that brought a mixed reaction from the team’s fanbase on social media.
Although the need is obvious, here are three reasons why Carolina should avoid trading for Carr this offseason.
Reason No. 1
Carolina Panthers cannot afford the cap hit
When the Carolina Panthers discuss the possibility of trading for Derek Carr, the financial implications alone should be enough to put them off. The former Fresno State standout is set to count $43.87 million against the cap in 2023 and a further $43.17 million on the final year of his deal, which is an astronomical sum for a quarterback deemed surplus to requirements.
The Las Vegas Raiders will find it incredibly difficult to secure a willing trade partner. Although cutting Carr costs them just $3.75 million in dead money – a saving of $40.12 million.
Should the Raiders cut Carr before the Super Bowl, it’s a different story. But even then, the Panthers should be wary of bringing him on board.