The Raiders officially released quarterback Derek Carr on Tuesday, according to multiple reports. 

Las Vegas released him before $40.4 million in his contract became guaranteed on Wednesday. This leaves Carr as a free agent who is expected to draw interest from multiple teams, including the Jets. Carr does not have to wait until NFL free agency, which officially begins on March 15. 

Carr’s representation tweeted a message on behalf of the quarterback on Tuesday afternoon. 

“We wish the @Raiders the best of luck. This is the tough part of this business,” the statement read. “That’s the point; it’s just business. Time now to reset for both sides. Derek chooses to hold on to many good memories and friendships, without any ill will. That’s who he is. Onward and upward.” 

The Raiders also released a glowing statement about Carr. 

“We have a lot of respect for Derek Carr and what he has meant to the Raiders organization for the last nine years,” coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler said in the statement. “Derek has done great things in this league and we’re thankful to have been able to work with him this past year. He is a true professional and we appreciate his hard work in striving to produce the results we all desire.” 

Prior to the announcement, this week Carr told the Raiders he would not accept a trade to any team, making him arguably the top quarterback available on the market. Last week, Carr visited with the Saints. 

Las Vegas tried to work out a trade with the Saints,. Carr exercised his no-trade clause and turned down a deal Sunday because he didn’t want to take a pay reduction, a person with knowledge of the situation said at the time. The person spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to comment publicly. 

Other teams Carr could consider include the Jets, Panthers, Colts, Buccaneers and Commanders. Another team also could jump into the mix. 

Carr’s 2022 season was a bumpy one. The Raiders posted a 6-11 record and in December, head coach Josh McDaniels benched him for Jarrett Stidham, making Carr inactive for the Raiders’ final two games of the season against the 49ers and Chiefs. This season he threw for 3,522 yards, 24 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. Carr has only led the Raiders to two winning seasons — in 2016 and 2021 — losing in the wild-card round in both. 

He indicated the week of the Pro Bowl that he preferred free agency over a trade, saying Peyton Manning was encouraging during a discussion they had. The Colts released Manning in 2012 and he went on to win a Super Bowl with the Denver Broncos after the 2015 season. 

“I’m just looking for teams that have made that decision consistently that they’ll do whatever it takes to put a winning program out there,” Carr said Feb. 2. “So for me, that’s just to win, win a championship. That’s at the forefront of the mind. It’s not money.” 

As for the Raiders, Ziegler and McDaniels will have to determine the best path forward at quarterback. They could try to land a veteran such as Aaron Rodgers or Jimmy Garoppolo. 

Las Vegas could also try to draft its quarterback of the future, and with the No. 7-overall pick, the Raiders might be able to land one of three QBs projected to go in the top 10. The Raiders could even try to move up in the draft to try to secure Alabama’s Bryce Young, Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud or Kentucky’s Will Levis. 

— with AP