Las Vegas Raiders: Jon Gruden trusting Derek Carr with his legacy

Since returning as head coach of the Raiders franchise, Jon Gruden has made some eye-opening moves in terms of the roster. From trading away a future Hall of Famer in his prime in Khalil Mack, to trading a star wideout after committing to him in Amari Cooper, Gruden has had no problem getting rid of star players.

When it comes to quarterback Derek Carr, the narrative surrounding the two has not been positive in terms of the media, as it was rumored that would be his first move, getting rid of No. 4. Well, three seasons later, and entering Year 4, the duo is still together, and appears to be ready to ride this next wave together in the short, and long-term.

A few weeks back, the Indianapolis Colts called the Raiders to inquire about trading for Carr, to which they were told he was not available. Throughout the last three offseasons, every free-agent quarterback, first-round quarterback, or even those under contract who could be moved, have been linked to the Raiders.

That, in large part, has to do with Gruden, who apparently loves every quarterback. The problem with the narrative is that he apparently also loves his own, and the team continues to build around Carr, instead of moving on from him.

Jon Gruden trusting Derek Carr with Raiders legacy

Entering their fourth NFL season together, it is clear that the Raiders and Gruden not only feel set at quarterback, but they have turned their attention elsewhere. Remember, this is a franchise that has held five first-round picks across the last two drafts, and though they were apparently linked to every first-round talent, they passed.

Last offseason, Tom Brady was looking for a new home, and despite the narrative, the Raiders never really made a legitimate play towards him. Even this offseason, Russell Wilson, Deshaun Watson, and even Marcus Mariota have been reported as the ones to replace Carr, but as we sit here entering March, he is still the QB in Las Vegas.

Maybe everyone has been wrong this whole time about Carr and Gruden, and these two are planning to not only play out his contract but even receive an extension. Gruden is under contract for another seven seasons, so he is not going anywhere, and it appears he will stake his Raiders legacy on a player who has done nothing but improve since he arrived.

Carr has heard the noise, being very vocal about his place on this team heading into 2020, and it is not like he is a bum at the position. In fact, many teams have clamored for his services to no avail, and in 2021, and likely beyond, he is going to be the starter for the Raiders, and he holds the legacy of Jon Gruden in his hands.