Raiders Prefer To Build Around Derek Carr As Starting QB

Ian Rapoport reports that the Raiders’ preferred plan is to keep Derek Carr in place as their quarterback and rebuild around him, despite rumors that they could consider making Carr available next year.

Rapoport admits that the Raiders will listen to options involving Carr.

The Raiders did not come close to trading Carr before the deadline and the relationship between him and HC Jon Gruden has actually improved to the point that they’ve gotten closer throughout the season.

Rapoport notes that Carr is set to make a reasonable salary for starting quarterback and could benefit for playing in the same system two years in a row for the first time since entering the NFL, so there’s reason to be optimistic that things could improve next year.

Rumors have been circulating the past few weeks about Carr’s future with the Raiders and some reporters have said that they would be surprised if the team seriously considered making him available next year.

Carr, 27, is a former second-round pick of the Raiders back in 2014. He is was in the final year of his contract when the Raiders signed him to a five-year, $125 million extension that included $70 million guaranteed last year.

Carr will make base salaries of $7.4 million and $19.9 million over the next two years of the agreement.

In 2018, Carr has appeared in seven games and thrown for 2,027 yards while completing 72 percent of his passes to go along with 10 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He has also rushed for 36 yards and a touchdown.