Raiders Could Part With Derek Carr, Depending On New HC Hire
Las Vegas can admit that Rich Bisaccia's 12-game run as head coach surpassed all expectations: becoming the first interim play-caller to lead a team to the playoffs during a mid-season switch.
Going 7-5 since former coach Gruden's departure following the NFL's leaked emails scandal, plenty of change is expected for the franchise — barring a miraculous Super Bowl run — and one of the team's key pieces also in job security limbo is quarterback Derek Carr.
NFL.com's Ian Rapoport released news on Saturday that the contingency plan with the new hire at head coach may end up calling for the team to head in an entirely new direction, sans Carr.
Rapoport announced: "The Raiders will conduct a full and thorough coaching search when the offseason begins, and it appears the future of quarterback Derek Carr will be tied in with it."
He added, "Bisaccia will receive an interview and be considered for the position, sources say. A win or two in the playoffs gives him a far better opportunity to keep the job long term. But the search will be real and thorough, and Bisaccia goes in as not necessarily the favorite."
Also sparking speculation as to whether Carr will survive the hiring spree is general manager Mike Mayock's position, which may also be subbed in with a new name, should the hires trend in that direction.
The eight-year veteran ended with career-high numbers in various fields: including attempts (626), completion (428) and passing yards (4,804). He also produced all-time highs in interceptions (14) and fumbles (13), losing five of them.
As the League's best teams join the script of hiring offensive minds as head coach — e.g. Sean McVay, Kyle Shanahan, Zac Taylor and even whispers of Brian Daboll's prospects this offseason — a new coach brought in to revamp the Raiders' middle-of-the-pack offense may call for a new type of quarterback to lead the team. Especially one with an added gear of a dual-threat QB.
Considering the Raiders' lack of offensive line protection, per PFF, to keep Derek Carr in play for deep throws — which is his bread and butter — Las Vegas may be limiting itself by cutting ties with the three-time Pro Bowler.
The Raiders and Cincinnati Bengals kick off Wild Card weekend, starting Saturday as the first of a primetime doubleheader.
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