The Las Vegas Raiders have a loyal quarterback in Derek Carr.
He definitely has more affinity for the city and franchise than they have for him.
Consider the fact that trade rumors circulate around Carr each year, and yet he still remains with the team and plays well.
Recently, Carr had a jarring reaction to talk about him playing somewhere besides Las Vegas.
What Carr Said
His statement flies in the face of the current NFL way-of-life where players jump from one team to another in free agency in search of a better chance of winning or more money.
Derek Carr can't quit Raider Nation pic.twitter.com/yl0uiD3eJZ
— PFF (@PFF) June 15, 2021
“I’d probably quit football if I had to play for somebody else. I am a Raider for my entire life. I’m going to root for one team for the rest of my life — it’s the Raiders. So, I just feel that so strong in my heart I don’t need a perfect situation … to make things right…I’d rather go down with the ship, you know what I’m saying, if I have to.”
A Refreshing Sentiment
Carr is only 30 years old.
He was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft with the No. 36 overall pick.
Carr is a California native who endured a change of location for the Raiders that took him out of California into nearby Nevada.
His loyalty has never been questioned.
Carr has not always had the best supporting cast to help him in Oakland/Las Vegas on either side of the ball.
Since Jon Gruden became head coach in 2018, the Raiders’ defense ranks:
32nd in PPG
32nd in EPA
32nd in EfficiencyStop blaming Derek Carr! pic.twitter.com/uL2QcEDYSp
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) June 15, 2021
However, he remains undeterred by the challenge of winning in a Raiders uniform.
He clearly has no desire to see if the proverbial “grass is greener” with another team, city, or conference.
This way of thinking is practically unheard of in the 2021 NFL, but it is refreshing and admirable.
Carr In 2021
Carr’s 2021 has been more eventful than usual.
"It is my belief that Jon Gruden will do ANYTHING, and would give anything, to get Aaron Rodgers."@espngreeny can see a potential Rodgers to the Raiders trade 👀 pic.twitter.com/Jaa40eSmlU
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) May 5, 2021
Instead of the whispers and unnamed sources saying that the Raiders and/or Coach Jon Gruden want to upgrade the quarterback position, this year there were documented rumors of a Carr-for-Rodgers quarterback swap that would send him to the Green Bay Packers.
Carr Is Beloved By His Teammates
What better words to hear from your starting quarterback?
He would rather quit the game he loves than play anywhere else or with anyone else.
It is no wonder that his teammates have his back and recognize him to be the leader and force on the team that he is.
Wide receiver Hunter Renfrow shared his reaction to Carr’s words.
"That's who you want as a quarterback, that's who want as a leader"
WR Hunter Renfrow reacts to Derek Carr's comments on his commitment to the @Raiders
🔊LISTEN🔊I #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/QvLRFwXXRY
— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) June 17, 2021
Conclusion
It seems like the Raiders players know what a gem they have in Carr.
That cannot be said of Gruden or Raiders fans who are impatient and yearn for a winning team.
The issue with the Raiders not winning is not squarely a problem with Carr; it is an organizational one that starts with the general manager and head coach.
It is a result of bad draft choices and worse trade decisions.
Sadly, the Raiders won’t know what they have in Carr until he retires, and they attempt to replace his leadership and loyalty.
NEXT: What Would It Take For Raiders To Fire Jon Gruden?