Are the Raiders plotting to trade Derek Carr, pursue Deshaun Watson?

The quarterback carousel spins, and one of the runners has a perpetual scowl.

Vincent Bonsignore from Las Vegas Journal-Review reports that “several NFL insiders” expect the Raiders to receive calls regarding a potential trade from quarterback Derek Carr. Bonsignore suggests that the expected demand for Carr could result in a three-team trade that would see the Raiders trade Carr and acquire quarterback Deshaun Watson from the Texans. (Presumably, Texans don’t want Derek Carr, perhaps because of his experience with his brother, David.)

History suggests the Raiders could get two first-round picks for Carr. Sounds a bit high, frankly.

The supply of the report seems confusing, to say the least. Are “NFL Insider” coaches, team leaders, members of the media, agents, players or a combination of these categories? (As used in the industry, the term “NFL Insider” usually refers to someone in the media.) In Carr’s case, “insiders” suggest the possibility of a three-team deal. . And an “NFL Insider” applied the potential price of two first-round picks on the deal.

Frankly, it sounds like an effort – free or subtly requested by the team – to launch a potential commercial market for Carr and to introduce the concept of the Raiders as a potential contender for Watson. After all, general manager Mike Mayock said last week that Carr has had an “exceptional” year, while reiterating the idea that the team is always looking to level up in every position.

Carr was good last year, but he wasn’t a Pro Bowler. Carr was 14th in completions, 11th in yards, 11th in touchdowns. He was 10th in the passer standings, 10th in completion percentage, and he finished in a tie at three for fifth on average per attempt.

As for the original nugget reported by Bonsignore, that the Raiders are expected to respond to calls about a potential trade for Carr, that’s no surprise. During the offseason, the general managers always talk and always Inquire about player availability, regardless of whether the player is officially in the commercial market. Given that the Raiders seem to have a perpetual attitude of ambivalence about Carr, any team looking for a quarterback would be wise to see if the Raiders are up to moving him and what the Raiders want.

If the idea that Carr is available takes hold, maybe the calls will come faster and more frequently. Maybe the Raiders will get an offer they don’t want to turn down for Carr. Regardless of whether it leads to making Watson a run, the Raiders may see Carr’s marginal performance in the 2020 top 10 as an opportunity to sell high.