The $125 million dollar man: Why Derek Carr deserves it

Why Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr deserves every dollar of his record-setting $125M contract extension.

After a heartbreaking season that saw an injury derail the Oakland Raiders hopes of a Super Bowl title, MVP-Finalist Derek Carr became the NFL’s highest-paid quarterback on June 22, via a five-year, $125 million extension.

This deal comes prematurely in the eyes of many, without Carr having a playoff win under his belt. But to true Raiders fans, or anybody that’s paid any attention to the franchise over the last five decades, it’s long overdue.

Money Trending Upward

Quarterbacks are the centerpiece of a football team, regardless of the 21 other guys on the field. The quarterback usually gets all of the praise or flack depending on the final score — that’s just how the game goes. Since 2000, 11 quarterbacks have won the coveted Super Bowl MVP award.

Currently, quarterbacks are the second-highest paid position in the league behind left tackle. In a passer-friendly league, teams are desperate for a leader under center, and the increase in contracts show it.

Indianapolis Colts star Andrew Luck was dethroned by Carr as highest-paid, as he is currently on a five-year, $122 million dollar deal. Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins is primed to eclipse both upon reaching a deal, yet he will earn $23.9 million in 2017 after receiving a franchise tender.

Even unproven quarterbacks, like Chicago Bears’ Mike Glennon is making $15 million per year. Put into perspective that in 1993, Troy Aikman signed the biggest contract in NFL history at $50 million dollars over eight years.

Raiders QB History

In order to understand Carr’s importance, you have to start with Ken Stabler. Late Raiders Owner and Head Coach Al Davis is remembered for plenty, but drafting well isn’t one of them. Or at least after say, 1988. Anyway, Carr and Stabler are the only Raiders quarterbacks to make a Pro Bowl team under the age of 30.

From Stabler’s departure in 1979 until Rich Gannon’s arrival in 1999, the Raiders started 16 different quarterbacks. Of those quarterbacks, the only one to make a Pro Bowl was Jeff Hostetler, giving the team four quality seasons in his 30’s whilst battling injuries.

Gannon revived his career in Oakland after years as a journeyman, making four consecutive Pro Bowls and winning 2002 NFL MVP that year, as the Raiders fell one game short of their first Super Bowl victory in 19 years.

Between Gannon and the drafting of Carr, 15 quarterbacks started for Oakland within a 10-year span. In his fourth year, Carr is already top five in nearly every passing statistic in Raiders history. Whether that’s due to bad drafting or aging quarterbacks is for you to decide.

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Numbers Don’t Lie

Despite not having as high of a YPA (Yards Per Attempt) as some may like, Carr is getting better yearly. Carr is the only quarterback in NFL history to throw over 80 touchdowns and less than 40 interceptions in his first three seasons. Of all quarterbacks to throw at least 500 passes, Carr’s 6 interceptions in 2016 were the second-lowest in the league.

Yearly, Carr’s completion percentage, quarterback rating and passer rating continue to rise. With new weapons, a clean bill of health and new motivation to prove his worth, the numbers could increase across the board. And in a few years, as contracts continue to increase and Carr continues to improve, that will only further justify his record-setting payday.