Derek Carr’s benching raises a bigger question: What will happen in Las Vegas next season?
Raiders first-year coach Josh McDaniels announced Wednesday that quarterback Jarrett Stidham will start the remaining two games of the season. Chase Gerbers will serve as the team’s backup QB.
“No one is happy with the status quo, but we see it as an opportunity to evaluate young players who don’t have a lot of time to play,” McDaniels said. They understand the scenario and situation we are in and are very supportive.”
ESPN reported that Kerr and the Raiders agreed to stay out of the team for the rest of the season to avoid distractions.
Kerr has been the Raiders’ starting quarterback since 2014. He holds many franchise his passing records, including his yardage and touchdown passes for most passes. But Kerr struggled under McDaniels this year, throwing in his 14 interceptions, his NFL-most this season, tying the record for most in his career. His finish rate (60.8) and pass rate (86.3) are the lowest since his rookie days.
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Kerr’s relegation comes at a time when the Raiders are still mathematically viable in the AFC’s playoff race, but the odds of securing a playoff spot are as slim as someone winning the lottery.
The decision to bench Kerr and the timing in which it happened puts the quarterback and the Raiders in a precarious situation.
Kerr signed a three-year, $121.5 million contract extension in April, but the Raiders would only suffer a $5.6 million cap hit if they cut him by Feb. 15.
A split with Kerr could also have knock-on effects for the team’s best player and wide receiver, Davante Adams. Adams also came to Las Vegas to reunite with Kerr. The two starred together at Fresno State University and have been good friends ever since.
Cutting Kerr could frustrate Adams, whom the Raiders traded in March to a five-year, $141.25 million contract.
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In addition to Kerr, the Raiders will have to decide if they want to keep the NFL’s current mainstay rusher, Josh Jacobs. The Raiders surprisingly turned down his fifth-year option for running back last offseason. He plans to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and has already expressed frustration about the team’s growing losses.
After the Raiders lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 16, Jacobs told reporters, “I’m sick of dealing with this (expletive).” I see guys smashing their butts with no results.For me it’s been the last 4 years with no results.Frankly I’m not I don’t know what else to do. ”
Jacobs, who is in the 2022 Pro Bowl, said he doesn’t “don’t know what else to do,” Kerr’s future is murky, and the quarterback’s position on the team could affect Adams’ standing. There is
McDaniels, general manager Dave Ziegler, and the rest of the Raiders’ executives will spend a long night evaluating their roster and pondering decisions. Whatever you choose to do can have a big impact.
“When the season is over, there will be a lot of evaluation going on here, in terms of how we make the most progress, what means the most to everyone, and how we move forward,” McDaniels said. Told. “When this season is over, there will be a lot of things to sort out.”
Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on Twitter @TylerDragon.
