Las Vegas Raiders: 5 Veterans who won’t survive 2020 training camp

5. TE Derek Carrier

When it comes to Derek Carrier, I feel like the conversation has always been more about potential than production. He’s a great athlete with the upside to be a great receiving tight end, but where are the numbers? How long before the “potential” no longer warrants a roster spot?

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Let’s put it this way: in his seven years in the NFL, Carrier has been on four teams. For a potential-laden talent like that, it seems a bit odd for him to bounce around so much. Almost as if these teams can’t find a way to make keeping him around worth the effort.

Well don’t be surprised if Carrier is looking for his fifth team in the near future.

In his two years with the Raiders, Carrier hasn’t managed to assert himself as a reliable weapon. He was No. 3 on the depth chart last year, failing to beat out Fabian Moreau for snaps. With Darren Waller entrenched as the starter and Jason Witten providing veteran depth, I don’t see any way for Carrier to convince Las Vegas he should be taking up a roster spot.

Unfortunately, potential never takes that next step in its progression. It’s been a good run for the former undrafted free agent out of Beloit College, but the curtain is closing on his pro career.