Signing Derek Carr would be wise for the Washington Commanders

Derek Carr will be one of the NFL's biggest free agents this offseason. The Washington Commanders, who need an upgrade at quarterback, should do whatever they can to sign the former Las Vegas Raiders star.

This past season, the Raiders benched Carr in favor of Jarrett Stidham for their final two games. The shocking move was a sign that his tenure in Vegas was coming to an end.

During the offseason, the Raiders attempted to trade Carr, but he informed them that he would use his no-trade clause, which ultimately forced the team to release him.

Carr put together a solid nine-year career with the Raiders after he was drafted by the team in the second round (36th overall pick) of the 2014 NFL Draft. The four-time Pro Bowler reached the 4,000 passing yard-mark four consecutive times, from 2018-2021. He threw for a career-high 4,804 yards during the 2021 campaign.

The Washington Commanders' current quarterback situation

Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell

During the 2022-23 season, the Commanders started three different quarterbacks: Taylor Heinicke (nine games), Carson Wentz (seven games) and rookie Sam Howell (one game).

Heinicke is scheduled to be a free agent, and Washington will likely part ways with Wentz, who was a major disappointment after being traded from the Indianapolis Colts in 2022. With that said, Howell will be the starter if the team is unable to find an upgrade this offseason.

In his only game, the regular-season finale against the Dallas Cowboys, Howell completed 11 of his 19 pass attempts for 169 yards and a touchdown as Washington impressively won 26-6. The North Carolina product has the potential to be an impact player, but acquiring a sure thing like Carr would be a smart decision.

Derek Carr would be surrounded by quality offensive weapons with the Washington Commanders

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin

Carr struggled this past season with the Raiders, but he could certainly bounce back in Washington. Sometimes a player just needs a change of scenery.

The Commanders possess one of the league's top young receivers in Terry McLaurin, who's coming off a career-high 1,191-yard receiving campaign. Washington also has talented receivers like Jahan Dotson and Curtis Samuel.

Being surrounded with great offensive weapons can only help a quarterback, right?

New Commanders offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, who won two Super Bowls with Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, would help Carr as well.