Here's How the Patriots Could Realistically Acquire Derek Carr

Derek Carr's long-term stability with the Las Vegas Raiders has been in question since Jon Gruden arrived as head coach. The quarterback has been the team's starter since 2014 and owns a 39-55 record.

The Raiders made the interesting move to bring in Marcus Mariota as the backup in 2020 on a two-year deal with $7.5 million guaranteed. He is a capable starter, and may already end up competing with Carr for the starting job. That brings up more trade rumors (and tank rumors, as a fresh start in Vegas looms), and one team that could really use Carr is the New England Patriots.

Bill Belichick has stayed put with Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer as his top two quarterbacks. He did not draft a top signal-caller, and has not pounced on the opportunity to add Cam Newton. Part of his master plan could be the desire to trade for Carr. The Raiders moving Carr would mean they would have to add some serious salary in return. His $21.5 million cap hit in 2020 would be gone, as would possible hits of $22.125 million in 2021 and just under $20 million in 2022. However, his dead cap value drops to $2.5 million in 2021 and to $0 in 2022, which is great news for Belichick.

One contract the Patriots may be looking to move right away is the one signed by Stephon Gilmore. The defensive back will turn 30 years old this season and owns an $18.67 million cap hit in 2020. That jumps to $19.67 million in 2021. If the Raiders are desperate to move Carr, the Patriots can send a talented corner in Gilmore in exchange. That would be a boost to the Las Vegas defense, as Gilmore has been first-team All-Pro in two consecutive seasons, as well as some needed relief for a Patriots team with a stacked defense and an unlikely path to the Super Bowl in 2020 regardless.

Whether it's Gilmore, or whether the Pats truly believe in their 2020 odds and would rather reformat this package around Mohamed Sanu and higher draft capital is anyone's guess. It's possible, though, that Belichick believes he's already squeezed the best years out of his All-Pro CB, with a few bloated contract seasons looming.

The Raiders should also be able to acquire a fourth-round pick in the deal as well. Throwing a future fifth or sixth-rounder in as well might sweeten the deal even more. Mariota can start for Las Vegas in 2020 and the Patriots can give Carr a shot. If neither work out, both teams can look to the 2021 Draft that features some great prospects such as Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields.

Carr's dead cap hit certainly won't prevent revolution in New England if CBs like Jonathan Jones and JC Jackson are unable to pick up Gilmore's expensive slack.