Raiders trading for Davante Adams is a ringing endorsement for Derek Carr
By Jason Willis
After making a massive move by trading for Davante Adams, the Raiders are primed to compete in 2022. In addition, the Raiders are fully committed to Derek Carr.
What was once considered a pipe dream for Raider Nation is now a reality, as the Raiders have traded for former Packers wide receiver Davante Adams. Giving up their first and second-round selections in the 2022 NFL Draft, they also gave him a massive five-year extension worth 141.25 million dollars.
Giving the Raiders one of the most explosive offenses in the league, Adams, and quarterback Derek Carr are also quite familiar with each other.
Of course, Carr and Adams played their college ball together at Fresno State University. While there, they were nearly unstoppable. In their two years together, Adams recorded an unbelievable 233 catches, 3,031 yards, and 38 touchdowns.
For Carr, he had some of the most prolific passing seasons in NCAA history. This culminated in a dominant senior season where he had 5,083 passing yards, 50 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions.
The two have never been shy about their affinity for one another. Often talking about their desires to play together again publicly, Adams has said “It would be a dream, to play with Derek Carr again.” Carr has been vocal as well when he said it would be a “full-court press” if Adams were to ever be a free agent. Well, they are now teammates again.
This, perhaps more than anything, shows a commitment to Derek Carr.
Raiders likely to commit to Carr for the long haul
As always, the 2022 off-season has featured many rumors of a Derek Carr trade. As fan bases for the Colts, Browns, and others dreamed of adding him, the Raiders remained committed to him. After a 2021 season that may have been his best, Carr gets to pay under a new play-caller once again.
This, of course, is Josh McDaniels. After years as the New England Patriots offensive coordinator, he takes his talents to Las Vegas. While he instantly traded incumbent quarterback Jay Cutler during his first head coaching stint, he made it clear that would not be happening again. In fact, he even said he as “no doubt” that Carr will be the Raiders’ week one quarterback.
The Davante Adams trade further shows Las Vegas’s commitment to Derek Carr. Not only have they added elite pieces to the offense, but they also added Carr’s best friend and a player he has wanted for years. Because of Derek Carr, the Raiders are set up for future success and they recognize that. All that is left to do is extend his contract as well.