Raiders Opinion: Carr Earned Extension And Winning Expectation

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The Las Vegas Raiders presented Derek Carr with financial security, with the demand of playoff success must follow.

In signing Derek Carr to a three-year, 121-million dollar extension, the Las Vegas Raiders answered their one remaining offseason question. Armed with a contract that will place him in the upper echelon of quarterback pay, Carr can now focus on the season. Despite playing in a stacked AFC West, the Raiders will not suffer under the cloud of uncertainty. Whether people like or dislike that fact, Derek Carr, barring injury, will start for the Las Vegas Raiders. No one needs to whine, cry or cheer, as they had nothing to do with that fact. Instead, buckle up and keep those expectations high.

71 Multi-Year Extensions have been signed this #NFL Offseason

% Guaranteed at Sign
60%: 11
50%: 26
40%: 50
<40%: 22

The 11 high percent guarantees stem from 4 QBs, 4 WRs, 1 DE, 1 RB, & 1 S.

— Spotrac (@spotrac) April 12, 2022

More Wins, No Excuses

As mentioned, Carr’s signature wipes away any excuses that even the most ardent supporter would offer. For the majority of his tenure with the franchise, excuses about a lack of winning seasons appeared to mask any lack of failure. From media to fans, failing to hold the quarterback accountable, to even the quarterback himself, displaying sensitivity to criticism, reasons swirled. For as physically gifted as Carr is, playoff success eludes him. First, he lacked talent around him. PThe Raiders solved that problem. Next, he needed better defense. Again, problem solved. Lastly, the contract issue would become an issue. Well, the pen hit the paper, and now, the only thing to do is win. No quarterback started his first nine seasons with a team without a single playoff victory.

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No Trade Clause

Lost in the financial figures bandied about, the Raiders floated Carr a bonus that he seems to truly cherish. By including that, Carr now truly controls his destiny. If he ever truly wants out of Las Vegas, the power resides firmly in his reach. Meanwhile, the Raiders could eventually convince him. However, that convincing may require financial incentive. In his mind, Carr will need to see that the team isn’t going in the right direction, for him to bail. From a player’s point of view, that is rather smart. On the other hand, it negates any sort of leverage the team would ever have over him. For the first time during his entire career as a Raider, Carr feels like this is actually his team.

History And Reconciliation

The only way for Derek Carr to justify this sizable investment in him is to win. Nothing else matters to a team desperate to become relevant on the field. Additionally, the fanbase, thirsty in their desire to return to the days as a perennial force cannot be understated. If Derek Carr can reverse the near two-decade playoff win drought, he etches his name in Raiders history, elevating his reputation, changing the way that many feel about him. Yet, the playoffs need to become a habit, not an anomaly.