Despite a disastrous 2018 season, Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden publicly backed Derek Carr as the team's franchise quarterback, but now it appears the organization is ready to move on from the 27-year-old this offseason.

Oakland has the 4th overall pick in the NFL Draft, putting them in prime position to draft a quarterback. NBC Sports while the quarterback class this year is weaker than last year, both Kyler Murray and Dwayne Haskins standout as potential options. However, they may be taken by the New York Giants and the Arizona Cardinals.

Derek Carr has not been as good as he used to be

Raider Nation believes Derek Carr will remain as signal-caller, who once played at superstar level, prior to crashing back down to earth. Carr struggled in 2018, while both Jon Gruden and newly appointed general manager Mike Mayock continue to advocate for Carr as the franchise quarterback.

Bleacher Report has said that the Raiders were offering up Carr during the NFL Combine and even suggested that the Jacksonville Jaguars are interested in Carr. The Jaguars are one of the teams needing a quarterback, and Carr would be an intriguing matchup.

Derek Carr just needs better offensive weapons

Before releasing Derek Carr, the Raiders may want to consider just bringing in better weapons to surround Carr.

In 2015, Carr threw 32 touchdowns and 6 interceptions, and appeared to be heading for a rebound season. However, Gruden and Mayock have the opportunity to create a team in their own design, including drafting and shaping their own franchise quarterback.

Gruden has already gotten rid of the team's top stars, Khalil Mack and Amari Cooper, for first-round draft picks.

They now have a handful of top picks to use in the upcoming draft. Since Gruden was willing to get rid of Mack and Cooper without hesitating, it's believable that he would be willing to get rid of a talented quarterback. Gruden and Mayock could draft Carr's replacement with their No. 4 pick, ending up with someone such as Haskins or Murray.

Oakland's decision is definitely worth following as the offseason progresses

This is a situation that all football fans should be watching during the offseason, especially if the Raiders continue to seek additional draft picks. Raiders have other holes to fill, so dealing Carr could give Gruden the opportunity to give their new quarterback more to work with next season and beyond.

However, it's all speculation right now because Carr is a skilled passer who once played like an elite-caliber quarterback. However, with his up-and-down play over the past few seasons, the oportunity to rebuild the Raiders and cut ties with Carr, may be too good to pass up.
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