The Raiders Should Just Cut Derek Carr Now and Sign Cam Newton

The Las Vegas Raiders are making moves to get more competitive with the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs and the rest of the AFC West, but they shouldn't declare themselves done yet.

Quarterback Derek Carr has been wildly inconsistent since the Raiders went 12-4 in 2016. They should strongly consider moving on from him at this point, especially given his outrageous contract. If the Vegas boys do things right, they'll cut Carr from their roster and sign a legitimate big-name free agent quarterback to replace him before adding another in the draft. And as much fun as Jameis Winston might be in Vegas, it's Cam Newton that should be starting under center for the Jon Gruden next season in the desert.

The Raiders aren't one of the teams heavily linked to signing Newton this offseason so far, but if they act fast enough with Carr, they'll have a fine pitch to bring him to Las Vegas. Cutting Carr would free up $14 million for the Raiders, more than enough to sign Cam to a one or two-year deal if he's keen to bet on himself.

Newton, a former MVP and NFC champion, has all the experience and tools the Raiders could ask for in a quarterback. Plus, if they're able to bring him in on a short-term deal as their starter, he'll be able to groom another quarterback they select in the upcoming draft.

If there's a quarterback for the Raiders to do this with, it's Newton – not Carr or Winston. It's doubtful Las Vegas would feel comfortable throwing a rookie quarterback into the fire next season on the big stage, and Carr's chances at learning new tricks are modest at best. The Raiders are setting themselves up for success if they're able to pull this off, but they can't waste any time.