Whether you’re a supporter or a detractor, the wheels have been apparently set in motion for Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr’s extension. Originally reported by Jeremy Fowler of ESPN and Sports Illustrated, it appears Carr may indeed not be going anywhere.
If there’s one thing we can all count on every offseason, it’s all the cooler talk surrounding Carr. Every year there’s talk of a big name such as Tom Brady or Russell Wilson replacing ‘4.’ Or, there’s the annual ‘Jon Gruden loves X quarterback prospect,’ only for the Raiders to forego any such player come draft day. Whether you like Carr or not is irrelevant as the team appears to be in the opening stages of extension talks.
It’s happening Raiders fans, brace yourselves…
Without question one of the most polarizing figures in Raiders history, Carr has done his part as the team’s signal-caller. Since Gruden’s return, he’s become one of the most efficient and reliable quarterbacks in the NFL. Often over looked by some due to the team’s losing ways, there’s plenty of blame to go around.
It might be a shocker to some but Carr doesn’t play defense at any level. In fact, at no point has Carr had an above average defense, much less an elite unit such as the one Brady joined in Tampa Bay. Averaging 7.9 yards per game and maintaining his interceptions to single digits should be, in theory, a recipe for team success.
A lot of the team’s success will hinge on the defense and how Gus Bradley can field a competitive unit. Some will say it’s too early for extension talks but solid quarterbacks don’t fall off trees in the NFL and Gruden has put in tons of work with Carr. At this point, it makes sense for Gruden to ‘ride the Carr until the wheels fall off,’ no pun intended.
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*Top Photo: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
