Derek Carr facing de facto contract year for Raiders
He still has two years left on his deal. However, Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr needs to be stellar in 2021.
Derek Carr isn’t a free agent until 2023, but he’s entering a contract year.
Yes, the two things can exist at once. The Las Vegas Raiders quarterback has two years of his five-year pact remaining. Although Carr also faces the stark reality of NFL business. Counting for a $22.1 million cap hit this year, the figure drops to $19.877 million in 2022. However, the Raiders could release him prior to the campaign. If they do, they incur absolutely no dead money with his guaranteed dollars long paid off.
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At 30 years old, Carr faces the most important season of his career. A three-time Pro Bowler, the former Fresno State product has enjoyed a good stay with Oakland/Las Vegas. Although, it’s one that certainly leaves many fans longing or more. The Raiders have never won a divisional title or playoff game during his tenure under center, with the former largely being roadblocked by either Peyton Manning or Patrick Mahomes.
Still, while Carr has excuses to point at, he needs to find a way with a questionable roster. The talent around him is largely solid, highlighted by tight end Darren Waller, running back Josh Jacobs and receiver Henry Ruggs III. However, the offensive line lost center Rodney Hudson, guard Gabe Jackson and tackle Trent Brown this offseason. Meanwhile the defense remains one of the league’s worst on paper.
Since head coach Jon Gruden came aboard to start the 2018 season, Carr’s numbers have steadily improved. He’s thrown for at least 4,000 yards each year, while tossing 19, 21 and then 27 touchdowns while his interceptions have never exceeded 10. Although Carr hasn’t been a top-10 quarterback in that span, he’s certainly in the top half of the league and on a palatable contract.
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However, with Carr’s pact becoming expendable, Las Vegas could be looking towards the future if the team or quarterback struggle in 2021. The Raiders have to find a billboard-worthy face that isn’t wearing a headset, and to this juncture, the team is without one as it enters its second year in Sin City.
The Raiders face the proverbial uphill climb with the Kansas City Chiefs lording over the AFC West, but a wild card berth is possible if Carr plays his best ball and the defense comes up with a few timely stops.
For Carr, he’ll need exactly that if he wants to wear Silver and Black beyond the next 17 games.
