The Oakland Raiders have once again rose to the top of the NFL, with two cornerstone pillars on board with head coach Jack Del Rio and general manager Reggie McKenzie. However, both Derek Carr and Khalil Mack have and will continue to explore their contract negotiations with the Raiders, towards reaching an agreement.
Carr’s agent and the Raiders have been in constant negotiations throughout the offseason, with no deal set in stone yet. However, Carr stated that he wants to remain a Raider for life and that he will also stop negotiations once training camp ensues.
The 26-year-old has demonstrated all the positive leadership qualities a coach would want in their franchise player, showing his professionalism and his team-first mentality. At this point, it seems more so a situation of when, rather than if, with Carr slated for a potential record-breaking pay day, via NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport:
“It is very possible that Derek Carr could be the first $25 million quarterback, more than say Andrew Luck, really more than anyone at this part and the benchmark of where all quarterbacks want to get to.”
The first mandatory minicamp of the season begins on June 13, but serves as only a reminder that training camp is soon approaching. Carr has been selected to two consecutive Pro-Bowls, dominating on the field and leading his team to victory.
Carr told McKenzie that he should be the least of the Raiders worries, but the Raiders may be better off finishing sooner than later. If the Raiders and Carr do not agree to a contract before training camp, then it leaves the door open for another quarterback to set a benchmark.
For example, Rapoport alluded to the situation regarding the Washington Redskins and Kirk Cousins. If Cousins were to receive a hefty payday at the end of the season, it could influence Carr and his camp to re-negotiate towards a better deal.
Carr is deserving of a lucrative deal, as the clear-cut captain of the offense. The entire team rallies around Carr and his charismatic personality, set to lead the Raiders towards a Super Bowl LII appearance.
