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.
