The Derek Carr-era ended in Las Vegas with the Raiders this offseason. However, it doesn’t mean the veteran quarterback isn’t happy to see his former team succeed. If anyone expected a petty Carr, that’s not happening.
Speaking of Carr, one player who had to protect the current New Orleans Saints signal-caller was Jermaine Eluemunor. Pro Football Focus spotlighted a key stat, highlighting the impressive start which the 28-year-old is experiencing through two weeks of the 2023 NFL season.
Plenty of news surrounds the Silver and Black; let’s dive into the latest.
Derek Carr is happy to see the Raiders succeed despite playing elsewhere
Carr’s final season in Las Vegas would lead many to believe that the 32-year-old might be petty over his departure from the Raiders. Carr was benched and inactive for the final two weeks of the 2022 season.
Furthermore, the Fresno State product notes that the entire situation which led to his benching made his wife cry. When that occurred, he knew it was time to move on and continue his career elsewhere.
The Raiders’ decision to end Carr’s tenure with the franchise meant they were saying goodbye to a player who sits atop their record books via completions (3,201), attempts (4,958), touchdown passes (217), and passing yards (35,222).
Despite beginning a new chapter with the Saints, Derek Carr revealed in an interview that he was happy to see the Silver and Black begin this season with a win over their AFC West rivals, the Denver Broncos.
“After the game, I text [Raiders head coach] Josh McDaniels, ‘Man, hey, congrats on beating the Broncos, man, that’s awesome, just like we did last year,'” Carr told ESPN. “He sent me a nice text back. And when I left, I had a great conversation with Mark Davis.
“He knows at some point I’m going to be coming back. He’s like, ‘You’re always welcome. This is always going to be home. Once a Raider, always a Raider. They always say that, and I’ll be thankful for that when I’m not a Saint, for sure.”
As the saying goes, time heals all wounds. Whatever emotions that Carr might have felt toward the end of last season are gone.
Jermaine Eluemunor emerging as the Silver and Black’s top pass blocker
If the Raiders want to keep Eluemunor long-term, they might have to offer a significant raise. The veteran offensive lineman re-signed with the Raiders this offseason by way of a one-year contract.
However, his play this season could lead to him locking up a long-term deal. PFF spotlighted how effective the veteran has been in the passing game. No tackle has recorded as many pass-blocking snaps (54) as Eluemunor without giving up a single sack.
“Jimmy G” and the entire Raiders offense will look to move on from the Week 2 loss against the Buffalo Bills where the team recorded only 10 points. Eluemunor will give the signal-caller plenty of time to get the ball to his playmakers, hopefully resulting in a win.
What do you think, Raiders fans? Has Eluemunor impressed you with his play thus far, and if he stays healthy the entire season, should the team look to extend him? Or should Las Vegas let him walk knowing he could be eyeing a home run contract? Let us know.
*Top Photo: NBC Sports/Pro Football Talk