Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr has several reasons to be optimistic for the 2022 season.
First, the team gave him a three-year, $121.5 million contract extension.
Then, the Raiders also hired offensive-minded head coach Josh McDaniels.
The team also added Chandler Jones to bolster their defense.
However, his reason for being joyous is simple, as shared by Pro Football Focus.
Derek Carr and Davante Adams:
Friendship goals 🤝 pic.twitter.com/ffKzrpDwVH
— PFF (@PFF) June 13, 2022
Carr said, “It’s just been fun to have my friend back.”
He is referring to All-Pro wideout Davante Adams, who joined the Raiders after a trade with the Green Bay Packers.
After the trade was finalized, Las Vegas gave him a five-year, $141.25 million deal, making him the highest-paid wide receiver at the time of signing.
Adams’ addition is a massive boost to the Raiders offense which already has Hunter Renfrow and Darren Waller.
But more importantly, Carr and Adams share a bond that goes back to their college days at Fresno State.
They played together for the Bulldogs from 2012 to 2013.
In their first year of being teammates, Carr threw for 4,104 yards and 34 touchdowns.
Meanwhile, Adams caught 14 of those touchdowns to go with 1,312 receiving yards.
In their final year together, Carr had 5,083 yards and 50 touchdowns, while Adams had 1,718 yards and 24 touchdowns.
Those numbers helped them win the Mountain West Conference that year.
No Need For Introductions
Since they already know each other so well, there’s no need for growing pains that come with trying to feel each other out.
They’ve already achieved that in college and it’s time to bring their partnership to the NFL.
Carr will benefit the most because he will have a legitimate split-end receiver who is the best in the league.
That’s the threat they lacked last season after Henry Ruggs III was released from the team.
It’s time for Carr and Adams to put on the sequel of their dazzling partnership that started in California.
NEXT: Could Davante Adams Unlock Derek Carr's Potential In 2022?