May 16, Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) throws a pass at rookie minicamp at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
As expected following their rookie minicamp last weekend the Oakland Raiders continue finalizing deals with their 2014 rookie draft picks. Today it has been reported from multiple sources that the Raiders have signed second round pick quarterback Derek Carr to a four year after locking down all three of their seventh round picks yesterday and coming to terms with fifth overall pick Khalil Mack days ago in what has been an expectedly painless negotiating process thanks to the NFL’s rookie salary structure being in place.
Carr’s deal is expected to be for $5.4 million over four seasons with a $2.2 million signing bonus and a 2014 cap hit of about $1 million, cheap thanks in part to Carr’s drop into the second round of the 2014 Draft.
The Raiders will be getting good value in Carr, who some considered to be a first round talent but was the odd man out once Johnny Manziel and Teddy Bridgewater plummeted in the first round, allowing the Raiders to scoop up Carr with the 36th pick a few weeks ago.
Carr has a strong resume as he played in 44 games over four seasons at Fresno State, setting 21 Mountain West Conference records and starting three ultra-productive seasons as the Bulldogs passer. Carr also was a two-time MWC Player of the Year (2012-13) and two-time All-American selection.
Last season Carr became just the fourth player to throw for 5,000 yards and 50 touchdowns in a season, leading the Bulldogs to a Mountain West title and a successful season even if a tough loss to USC in the Las Vegas Bowl put a sour on Carr’s draft stock and what was a strong year all around for the Fresno State program who also saw wideout Davante Adams drafted highly in this year’s draft to the Green Bay Packers.
With Carr locked in, Reggie McKenzie and the Raiders have now signed five of their eight 2014 rookies. Gabe Jackson remains the highest draft pick to be unsigned with fourth round picks Justin “Jelly” Ellis and cornerback Keith McGill also still needing to come to terms, most likely on their signing bonuses, before becoming official Raiders.