The Las Vegas Raiders opted to pull the plug on the Derek Carr era after nine seasons with the Silver and Black. Now the 32-year-old will begin a new chapter with the New Orleans Saints.
In an interview with CBS Sports ‘ Jonathan Jones, Carr recently reflected on his final season with the Raiders. The veteran quarterback is now ready to give the NFC South team his best capabilities heading into his first season.
While Carr’s time with Vegas ended this offseason, other players, such as fourth-round pick Jakorian Bennett, are beginning their careers with the Raiders.
Derek Carr recollects on his final season with the Silver and Black
This offseason, the Raiders decided to say goodbye to Carr, who left Vegas as a free agent and signed a four-year, $150 million contract that includes $100 million in total guarantees.
Carr believes the Raiders didn’t get his soundest form last season, as the team finished with a 6-11 record and missed the playoffs.
“They just didn’t get my best and that drove me crazy at the end of the year, because I felt so spread out in so many different ways that it’s hard for you to understand because of what’s happening in my mind and in my life,” Carr said. “I felt so spread out and was trying to do this and that. Trying to get the guys excited about a certain thing or a certain way even though they could see in my face it was tough. I just didn’t feel like myself [and] I feel bad for the coaches and players because they didn’t get my best.
“I tried. It wasn’t like I wasn’t trying to give my best. But you sit back and you write it out and learn and say, ‘Oh wow man I’ve got to do this, this and this.’ Go back to making it simple and making it about team and football. For me I’ve tried my best to get back to that. Hopefully it leads to some success.”
Carr’s performance this season will likely be judged alongside whoever is under center for the Raiders, which appears to be Jimmy Garoppolo, even though the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback did have offseason foot surgery.
If Carr does well, there will be a debate about whether allowing him to leave was the right decision.
Raiders sign fourth-round pick Jakorian Bennett
Vegas used the No. 104 overall pick to select Bennett and add more depth to the secondary. After signing second-round pick Michael Mayer on Thursday, the Raiders signed the Maryland product to his rookie contract.
The 22-year-old recorded five interceptions in the last two seasons for the Terrapins and 22 total passes defensed. It will be interesting to see how much the rookie plays this season. Nonetheless, the Raiders have wrapped up their draft signings as the cornerback was the final player they needed to agree to terms.
*Top Photo: NFL.com