A Derek Carr extension looms large over the Raiders
New sheriff in town?
Another factor that will certainly affect Carr’s future is who will be the next head coach and offensive coordinator. Whoever comes in will have the benefit of having a Pro Bowl quarterback that just led his team to the playoffs.
This is a luxury that some Raiders fans often forget about, and at times, they forget that the NFL sees Carr a bit differently.
Man, not the outcome the Raiders wanted but Derek Carr doesn’t get enough credit as a player or a leader. After all the Raiders have dealt with this year, he lead them through the storm and into the playoffs. We have to start giving him the respect he has earned.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) January 16, 2022
That being said, a new coaching staff might feel it’s time to move on from Carr as well. A trade for draft capital is definitely a possibility if the new coach and the new general manager are working hand in hand soon. However, Carr isn’t getting nearly enough credit for the Raiders’ success in 2021, as former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III pointed out. If, say, Jim Harbaugh takes over the Raiders, it would be wise to keep Carr.
Another observation is that a different play-caller would likely help with Carr’s red-zone woes next year. If this team, as currently constructed, sneaked into the playoffs, a Harbaugh-led squad would mean Carr would have himself another career year.