4 reasons why the Las Vegas Raiders head coach is an attractive job
4 reasons why the Las Vegas Raiders head coach is an attractive job
Good QB that still gives you roster flexibility
Early on the season when the Raiders were rolling, quarterback Derek Carr was mentioned among the early candidates for league MVP. Carr was on fire as the league leader in passing yards through four weeks and was putting up big numbers despite a poor offensive.
The discourse around Carr has come back to earth as has the QB but despite his struggles against Chicago, he is still among the best at his position. Some put him in the top 10, others closer to 15, but the point stands that he is a good QB that can put up big numbers in a good situation.
While some coaches accept positions with rookie quarterbacks or teams with the quarterback situation in turmoil, the incoming Raiders head coach has the benefit of an established player at the position.
Carr’s contract has yet to be extended by the team and he has asked to wait until the off-season to continue negotiations. He has one more year on his deal and is at a team-friendly $20 million salary for 2022.
Should this new coach come to the Raiders without a quarterback plan in mind, he could keep Carr for the 2022 season or potentially move him for other assets. Even if Carr is not in his long-term plans, he is only tied to the team for one more season and the new coach could release him this offseason with no cap penalty.
It would be an ignominious ending for the franchise’s leading passer but we have seen crazier things happen in the NFL. Carr could also prove now that he was being held back by Gruden, take the next step in his development, and earn a long-term deal but we will see what happens there.
Carr has been perhaps the most affected by all the turmoil within the Raiders organization but has been excellent in recent years under Gruden. A savvy offensive mind could see his potential and look to build with the relatively young QB or could cut him loose and move forward with a QB of his choice.
This flexibility has to be intriguing for an up-and-coming head coach as he could potentially get a year behind the curtain with Carr before making a decision on his future.