Las Vegas Raiders sit Derek Carr, name Jarrett Stidham as starting QB
The Las Vegas Raiders are making a big move at the quarterback position, benching Derek Carr in favor of backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham.
First-year Raiders coach Josh McDaniels announced the decision on Wednesday, as Las Vegas’ future at quarterback now looks murkier than ever.
“Raiders are benching Derek Carr and turning to Jarrett Stidham as their new starting QB,” tweeted Adam Schefter of ESPN. “Carr has thrown a league-leading 14 interceptions— including three Saturday night during a 13-10 loss to the Steelers. Stidham has thrown only 61 passes and never has started an NFL game.”
Additionally, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport added that Carr is one of many veterans who will take a step back for the Raiders, allowing the team to see what they have in their younger players moving forward.
“#Raiders coach Josh McDaniels announces that the team will start Jarrett Stidham over the next two weeks to have a look at the youth at QB and other positions,” tweeted Rapoport. “Starter Derek Carr won’t play as some vets take a step back.”
Continuing, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN added that Carr could be used as trade-bait this offseason, and part of the reason the former Fresno State quarterback is being benched is to preserve his value.
“Sources: #Raiders have benched Derek Carr in part to preserve his health for a potential trade this offseason,” tweeted Fowler. “Don’t want to risk injury, and his market could heat up after the Super Bowl, sources say, though option to stay still on the table.
“Raiders do want to get a look at Jarrett Stidham, and Carr’s accuracy became an issue. But as far as Carr’s chances to wear a new uniform, dominoes are starting to fall.”
According to Schefter, Carr will be inactive as well, as Chase Garbers will serve as the Raiders backup on Sunday.
“While Jarrett Stidham as the Raiders’ new starting QB, his backup now will be QB Chase Garbers, leaving Derek Carr to be inactive Sunday.”
Moreover, Stidham came into the NFL via the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, selected by the New England Patriots with the No. 133 pick that April. He began his college football career with the Baylor Bears, but finished it following two seasons leading the Auburn Tigers.
In his NFL career, Stidham has only thrown 61 passes, completing 32 of them and amassing 342 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions.
Evidently, Stidham made an impression on McDaniels, as the Raiders coach brought him to Las Vegas via trade when he took the job with the AFC West franchise. While Carr has survived multiple coaching changes and has been vocal about wanting to remain with the Raiders, perhaps this is the first step of the team moving on.
Regardless, the next two weeks will be huge for both Derek Carr and Jarrett Stidham, as well as the Las Vegas Raiders and their future. Whether Carr, Stidham or a different quarterback leads them in 2023 remains to be seen, but the former Auburn quarterback will have his shot.