The favorite question for probably the majority of NFL teams each season is to ask the head coach whether he can commit to his starting quarterback for the following season. Often times you head head coaches give a non-answer such as Colts head coach Frank Reich did, by saying Carson Wentz is the team’s starting quarterback “right now” which is a completely meaningless statement.
With Josh McDaniels taking over the head coaching job in Las Vegas, the question of whether Derek Carr is going to be his quarterback has loomed as well. One alternative being the idea of potentially trading Carr this offseason and starting over with someone else.
McDaniels was asked that question at the combine as to whether Derek Carr will be his starting quarterback come week one of this season and he gave a far more definitive answer to that question which, barring going against his own word, would take the trade option off the table.
“Sure. Absolutely. There’s no doubt about it,” McDaniels said of Carr as his starting QB week one, barring injury. “I really am excited about this opportunity to work together. I know what he’s done and I know what we might be able to do going forward together and that’s what really excites me. Looking forward to building that process as we go into April, May, June, July and continue to grow together.”
Ok, so presuming Carr is still the guy this season, what about after that? That question arises due to the fact that Carr is entering the final year of his contract which means now is when extension talks could come into play.
Various reports have surfaced over the past few weeks that might all seem to suggest there have been numbers thrown around, but McDaniels shoots that down, saying no such talks have occurred.
“No specific things relative to extending that at this point,” McDaniels said of his conversations with Carr. “But that doesn’t mean that’s not going to change. We are aware of where we are in that process. I think we’re just trying to get everything setting out in the building. Our staff has obviously been a big chunk of this first three or four weeks. Just trying to put the people in place here. I’ve met and spoken to Derek a number of times now. Just trying to begin our relationship. I think it’s really an important one. The head coach, play caller, the quarterback, getting to know one another as people. How we think, how we work. The football part of that will come later, which I think is also an important part of the puzzle, but really happy with the opportunity that I’ve had to get to know him. He’s there in Nevada, he stays there in Nevada. We’re aware of where things are and, as I said when I was introduced, I’m really looking forward to working with him.”
An extension doesn’t absolutely have to happen. Derek Carr can certainly play out the final year of his contract and it wouldn’t mean he walks away next offseason.
There are always options should the Raiders decide to not extend Carr this offseason and wait until next offseason to address it. The main one being the franchise tag, the application of which would ensure the Raiders either hold onto Carr for another season, give them time to work out a long term deal, or a find a trade partner. And if you don’t think that happens, just ask Peyton Manning and Drew Brees.