Raiders Opinion: The Carr Extension

As Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford hoisted the Lombardi trophy in his first season since leaving the Detroit Lions, the team which drafted him in 2009, comparisons to Derek Carr began to formulate. Although Stafford’s Super Bowl-winning season came in his thirteenth season and 2022-23 will be Carr’s ninth, the Raiders quarterback is currently one contract extension away from beginning his career the exact same way. While in Detroit, Stafford could not win the NFC North nor a single playoff game, and the Lions fanbase was divided on how to direct the blame.

Parallel

Coincidentally, the same facts hold true for Carr, as he has led the Raiders to two postseasons but has yet to emerge victoriously. When rumors began swirling regarding Carr’s potential extension netting him around $40 million per year, a brief panic may have swept through RaiderNation. While $40 million sounds a bit steep, it would keep Carr on the higher end of the quarterback pay scale and set the precedent of the team’s high expectations moving forward.

Differences

The biggest difference between Stafford and Carr is that there was no fight for Stafford to stay with the Lions, as the team was rebuilding and Stafford asked for a trade, while Carr and the Raiders are hot off a playoff appearance after overcoming one of the most tumultuous seasons of all time.

Around FPC

NFL: Marvin Lewis on Brian Flores’ Charges: “No Question, It’s Alarming”

NFC: Aaron Donald Is Noncommittal On Future

NFL: Unhitch The Wagon: Chiefs Must Release Anthony Hitchens

Super Bowl: Climb The Ranks: Joe Burrow Continues To Ascend

NHL: NHL Rumors: Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, Calgary Flames

PODCAST: Full Press NFL Podcast Ep 33: Super Bowl LVI Reaction; Rams Clinch Second Title

Lingering Issue

But, the conundrum remains the same. Say the Raiders and Carr are unable to reach an agreement and Carr were to be traded to Indianapolis (a well-built team, just missing a quarterback) on a one-year, prove-it deal, and he shows similar success to what Stafford has done. Would this change the minds of his doubters? Would this make him worth $40 million per year?

Favorable Odds

As seen in 2016, Carr has the ability to thrive and lead a well-built team to the playoffs. However, the Raiders front office has had difficulty in rebuilding the team around him since then. Another report circulating is that Carr would take a pay cut should the Raiders sign Packers wide receiver Davante Adams, meaning he may not be deadset on his asking price and could negotiate should the right players be brought in.

Money Talks

In an ideal world, the Raiders would talk Carr down a bit price-wise. Then, bring in some big names with the saved cap space, and shoot for the stars. However, in the real world, Carr will most likely get paid his asking price (by the Raiders). Not only due to his abilities but because “Quarterback Purgatory” certainly exists.

Consistency Matters

For example, the Denver Broncos sit in the deepest level of it as they have started 10 different quarterbacks since Carr was drafted. Is Derek Carr a $30-plus million quarterback? Yes. Is it worth using extra cap space to have the certainty of having a high-level starting quarterback through this current regime’s playoff window? Same answer.