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Option No. 1: Brian Hoyer, Chicago Bears (31 years old)

This option most likely won't get past the speculation stage. After a season in which Hoyer threw for 1,445 yards with six scores without an interception and posted a passer rating of almost 100, he could be in high demand on the open market. And as demand increases, so does the price.

Also, as Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune wrote, Hoyer expressed a comfort level in the Windy City. “I would love to stay here,” Hoyer said. “I have comfortability with Dowell (Loggains) and his offense. Got an opportunity to play in the games and I think that kind of showed I know what to do and then learning my teammates."

Still, if Hoyer doesn't think he'll have a chance to start in Chicago, he might look for a spot where he can at least experience some team success while holding a clipboard.

Is it likely? No. Even a journeyman like Hoyer might be too rich for McKenzie's blood given Oakland's needs at other spots. But considering the sour taste of last year's late-season disaster under center, it's possible.

Option No. 2: Mark Sanchez, Dallas Cowboys (30 years old)

No Raiders fan wants to even consider the possibility of a situation where Mark Sanchez is starting a game for Oakland in 2017. No fan of any team wants to consider it.

But as we saw in 2016, sometimes you have to consider less than palatable scenarios.

Sanchez isn't close to the quarterback who led the New York Jets to back-to-back AFC title games during his halcyon days in New York. But he has started 72 NFL games over eight seasons. He's won in the regular season and in the playoffs. And while he may never have been great, Sanchez also isn't awful.

Had Sanchez (or Hoyer) started against the Texans in the AFC Wild Card Round, the Raiders may well have played on.

Option No. 3: Matt Cassel, Tennessee Titans (34 years old)

You're probably noticing a trend with these quarterbacks. The polite way to describe them would be "veterans." The accurate way to describe them would be "retreads."

But in many respects, that's exactly what the Raiders need.

Don't get me wrong. If Carr were to suffer another serious injury in 2017, the Raiders would be every bit as done as they were this season.

But if it's something relatively minor like a strained shoulder—a one- or two-week absence—then the Raiders just need someone to hold down the fort. Someone to keep Oakland alive in the AFC West race.

In short, the Raiders need a player who has been there and done that—and experienced at least some small modicum of success doing so.

Cassel fits that bill.

And for what it's worth, while the veteran quarterbacks listed here are hardly worldbeaters, they are experienced. That experience could benefit a young signal-caller like Carr.

Other Options to Consider: Blaine Gabbert, San Francisco 49ers (27 years old), Case Keenum, Los Angeles Rams (28 years old), Ryan Mallett, Baltimore Ravens (28 years old), T.J. Yates, Miami Dolphins (29 years old)