The Las Vegas Raiders coach Josh McDaniels announced Wednesday that they are benching Derek Carr, the team’s starting quarterback since 2014, for Jarrett Stidham, who was acquired in an offseason trade from the New England Patriots. Stidham will start against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday at Allegiant Stadium, with undrafted rookie free agent Chase Garbers as the backup. A 2019 fourth-round pick, Stidham will be making his first career start. He is 8-for-13 for 72 yards in three games this season. McDaniels said of the move: “None of us is happy with where we’re at, but we think it’s an opportunity to evaluate a younger player who hasn’t had much time to play. Derek was great. He understands the scenario that we’re in and the situation and is very supportive of the two young guys. He’ll do anything he can to help them.”
Carr has struggled in his first season under the Raiders’ new regime with head coach McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler. Carr has an NFL-high and career-high-tying 14 interceptions, and his passer rating of 86.3 is his lowest since his rookie season. Carr had signed a three-year, $121.5 million contract extension in the spring. His $32.9 million salary for next year and $7.5 million of his 2024 salary would be fully guaranteed should he be injured. Sources say that the Raiders made this move in part to maintain Carr’s health and keep their options open this offseason, including for a potential trade. The sources did note that the option for Carr to return in 2023 is still on the table.
The Raiders have also placed defensive end Chandler Jones and linebacker Denzel Perryman, who suffered left elbow and left shoulder injuries, respectively, against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday.
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