Oakland Raiders: 3 Reasons Derek Carr deserves to be $25 million man
The Oakland Raiders could give Derek Carr the richest quarterback contract in NFL history, and here's why he deserves every bit of it.
One of the predominant storylines in the offseason for the Oakland Raiders has been the ongoing contract negotiations with Derek Carr. It's not a matter of not wanting to keep him around — the Raiders clearly believe he's the quarterback of the future. However, it's all about finding the right deal that meets what both the organization and player want. In essence, though, a long-term deal seems inevitable.
When that deal gets done, however, it could be the most lucrative NFL contract in history. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapaport, Carr's new contract could potentially pay him $25 million per year. That would make him the first player with that kind of salary. Even in an increasingly rabid quarterback market, that's a ton of money.
For some, the notion of giving Carr that type of money might seem absurd. After all, this is a player with just one winning season under his belt as the starting quarterback for Oakland. What's more, he's never played in a playoff game or had the chance to prove his moxie in that type of situation.
Despite that, there should be no reservations from Raiders fans or the front office about handing that type of money to Derek Carr. He's worth every penny of a contract that pays $25 million per year, and here are the three overwhelming reasons as to why.
Dec 4, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) prepares to throw a pass against the Buffalo Bills in the third quarter at Oakland Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Bills 38-24. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
3. Impressive Progression
Whenever you're looking for a franchise quarterback (the type of player you give $25 million per year) when it's still early in his career, you obviously look for talent and a high level of play. Carr has put both of those on display. But perhaps more importantly than that, you look for a player who's getting better and growing as a player as he builds towards his prime. Through three years with the Raiders, Carr has also checked those boxes.
More from NFL Spin Zone
As a rookie, Carr completed 58.1 percent of his passes, threw for 204.37 yards per game, and posted a TD-INT ratio of 21-12. In his sophomore effort, the Raiders signal caller improved those numbers to a 61.1 percent completion rate, 249.18 yards per game and a 32-13 ratio. Finally, he improved again this past season again as he completed 63.8 percent of his throws while throwing for 262.46 yards per game and a 28-6 ratio. Even more impressive, his yards per attempt have increased with every season.
So not only has Carr posted a positive TD-INT ration and thrown for over 3,000 yards in each NFL season in his career to this point, but he's bettered the previous year's effort each time. That's a clear sign of increasing his comfort level as a pro, and the fine-tuning of his abilities. Put simply, he's shown that he's on the trajectory to become a bonafide superstar.
Dec 8, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) throws a pass as Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Dee Ford (55) rushes during the game at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 21-13. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
2. Winning
This might seem somewhat trivial, but you can't discount the fact that Carr has been at the helm as the Raiders have rebuilt into something special. It's been a long, long time since the Raiders have seen a team to be consistently excited about. However, since the arrival of Carr in 2014, that's all started to morph and change. The former Fresno State quarterback has grown as the team has begun to succeed. It's almost like a symbiotic relationship.
Why that's important, though, is first that it gives the fans a face to look to. Yes, there are other stars on the Raiders. However, fans are looking for someone to get behind that has been through the same ups and downs that they have been through. After three seasons, that's something that Carr has undoubtedly experienced with this team. Like or not, the NFL is a business, so that type of ability to relate to fans matters.
However, it also has value on the field and in the locker room as well. Those same highs and lows and the experiences and feelings they bring about help season a young player into a veteran. That's what we've been watching with Carr. And though the experiences happen on a macro level, they help on both large and small scales for a player and subsequently the team to withstand adversity. That's massively important for a team to become, in essence, a dynasty.
Nov 27, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders tight end Clive Walford (88) is congratulated by quarterback Derek Carr (4) after catching a touchdown pass against the Carolina Panthers in the fourth quarter at Oakland Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 35-32. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
1. Carr Is the Unquestioned Leader
There are so many things to love about Derek Carr. He has a cannon for an arm, has improved his accuracy and decision making, and seems to have knack in the big moments. However, the one trait that makes Carr more valuable than most quarterbacks with great talent is his ability to lead. And there's no denying the leadership he displays for the silver and black.
Even in the talks about his contract negotiations, Carr put his leadership on display. He imposed a deadline for a deal to get done (the start of training camp). After that, he's done talking about it until after the season. He's not doing this as some power play, though. Carr is doing this in the interest of the Raiders. The quarterback doesn't want his off-field business to be the focus of the team. He wants the football to be all they see and he's willing to put his personal interests aside to make sure that happens.
That's just one example of many, however. On the field and off of it, the quarterback in Oakland has proven his leadership time and again. His teammates look for him to guide the way in important moments. The coaches trust him to put the ball in his hands when the game's on the line. And the list goes on. For that level of trust and character in addition to the talent that Carr possesses, no price is too steep.
