Tom Brady just ended his 23-year career in the NFL after announcing his second and possibly final retirement. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have bid goodbye to their greatest quarterback. And with replacement options available, former Raiders QB Derek Carr is now leading the contender’s race.
Things didn’t end between the Las Vegas Raiders and Derek Carr, the way the veteran quarterback would have wanted it to. And after much speculation about whether he will return to Nevada next season, Derek answered everyone when he publicly announced his dissociation from his beloved franchise.
Derek Carr’s farewell was just as emotional as Brady’s
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Carr’s final goodbye to the Raiders came on Twitter as the quarterback didn’t get the chance to do that in the regular season. The Raiders benched Derek for the last two games and eventually sent him home to avoid distractions in the locker room. This was clearly the last nail in the coffin in the 9-year relationship between the franchise and the QB.
“It’s especially hard to say goodbye because I can honestly say that I gave you everything I had, every single day, in season, and in the off-season. It certainly wasn’t perfect, but I hope that was able to leave you with more than a few great memories as Raiders fans,” Derek wrote in an emotional farewell post.
— Derek Carr (@derekcarrqb) January 12, 2023
Whether the Buccaneers will be happy about going from the greatest quarterback in franchise history to Carr, only time can tell. However, fans made their feelings known.
The Bucs have to move on from Tom Brady
Derek Carr to Tampa Bay excited many fans. The Bucs Nation is without a leader since last week’s TB12 farewell. Despite having the worst season of his career, Tom Brady still took the Buccaneers to the playoffs. Tampa Bay also won the NFC South crown with a losing 8-9 record.
The NFC is so bad that a team can get a quarterback like Carr and develop around them. The big issue with quarterbacks is they don’t come chance an organization like Brady but Brady also had gronk there for 2 years. Which is a huge plus because it’s all about the chemistry.
— Nolan Parker (@parker__nolan) February 4, 2023
He has a big arm, but makes a lot of mistakes and has a poor track-record (like Winston). Garoppolo is likely a better choice if he’s healthy. Trask is not the answer.
— Mark Leland (@MarkLelandMD) February 4, 2023
Didn't we all learn just last year that winning the NFC South isn't worth a damn if you don't have a Super Bowl caliber roster/coaching staff.
— Carl Pilginton (@Schwifty9000) February 4, 2023
Bucs fans getting hyped up for a 2 win season
— WeLikeSports (@bballGuy1132) February 4, 2023
Yep, gotta get this done at all costs! He will be great in our offense 💯🔥
— Michael (@Mikyletree) February 4, 2023
Idk I like the thought of Daniel Jones. He’s super young and has progressed every year since being drafted. He’s doing great on the giants, imagine how well he’d do with the weapons in tampa. And he can run! Let’s build our team around Danny dimes!
— Seth Holmes (@zeffer23) February 4, 2023
BucCARRneers
— The Milly Goats Podcast (@MillyGoats) February 4, 2023
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He’s better than Brady (today)
— Colby Sanders (@colbysanders) February 4, 2023
However, it’s not assured that Derek Carr can do the absolute minimum to pull the Bucs through. Although with an o-line returning from injury, and with the right offensive ammunition, Carr could handle NFC opposition, according to some.
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WATCH THIS STORY: Kelly Slater says Floridians rejoice Tom Brady’s brilliant double exit from football
Brady finished his last season with the Buccaneers ranked third in passing yards and also set the all-time NFL record for completions on attempted pass targets. In contrast, Derek Carr only had a little above 3500 passing yards with 24 TDs and 14 picks, finishing the Raiders’ season with a 6-11 record.