The Las Vegas Raiders have been rumored in many trade headlines early on in the NFL off-season.
Two of the more notable ones in Deshaun Watson and Russell Wilson.
While there is no denying that both of those quarterbacks are franchise altering, could it be possible the Las Vegas Raiders are overlooking the talent of current QB, Derek Carr?
Is Derek Carr Underrated?
Outside of his 2016 MVP-caliber season, it appears as if Derek Carr hasn’t gotten the respect he rightfully deserves.
Granted, the Raiders haven’t made the playoffs since 2016.
But, over the last two seasons — the Jon Gruden era — Carr ranks amongst the best of the best.
In 2019, Derek Carr ranked top 10 in yards per game and QBR, while also holding the 2nd best completion percentage in the league (1st – Drew Brees; 74.3)
While Vegas finished below .500, Carr had one of his better seasons and did so without a lot of weaponry.
2020 was a tale of two halves for the Raiders quarterback.
Derek Carr in 2020
Weeks 1-8: 68.2 passing grade (24th)
Weeks 9-17: 90.3 passing grade (3rd) pic.twitter.com/XC85MDL9PV— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) February 19, 2021
As you often hear in sports, it’s not about how you start, it’s how you finish.
In 2020, Carr finished top 11 in completion percentage, yards, touchdowns and QBR.
Although that doesn’t like it’s the greatest, folks need to keep in mind that Carr is still learning under Jon Gruden.
Gruden is known to have complex offenses coupled with the fact that he is extremely hard on quarterbacks.
But, Carr embraces that — he doesn’t back from the challenge of exceeding in a brand new system.
Quite often, the knock on Carr is that he doesn’t throw a lot of touchdowns or make enough flashy plays.
Well, in 2020 you could make the argument that Derek Carr outplayed Patrick Mahomes in both of their head-to-head matchups.
The Raiders were really the only team to defeat the Chiefs in the regular season and a large part of that was because of Derek Carr.
The Colts reportedly checked in on Derek Carr's trade availability, but were told he was "not available"https://t.co/YoGyUILYhL pic.twitter.com/CLkpmm6mml
— Raiders on NBCS (@NBCSRaiders) February 19, 2021
Although he is in talks for a contract extension, the Raiders haven’t made the commitment yet.
Vegas is a big market with an owner who likes to go all in.
If they don’t appreciate what they have in Derek Carr, someone else sure will.
Las Vegas Raiders Getting Calls on Derek Carr
There is no doubt that Derek Carr is one of the underrated quarterbacks in the NFL.
If his stats do not prove otherwise, just look at the interest he has gathered over the last couple months.
Before the Indianapolis Colts traded for Carson Wentz, they called up Vegas inquiring about Derek Carr.
'Multiple teams' will pursue a Derek Carr trade? https://t.co/fxtQLIxxRn
— NBC Sports EDGE Football (@NBCSEdgeFB) February 3, 2021
The New England Patriots, Washington Football Team and Chicago Bears are among the possible suitors for Carr if he were to be traded.
For those who continue to doubt Carr, if he were to get traded to one of those three teams, he would blossom in their systems.
The Raiders aren’t necessarily rebuilding, but they are still in the midst of the putting the puzzle together.
Carr is talented enough to lead a team to the promise land.
PFF Grade/Rank since 2017:
♦️ Kirk Cousins – 86.5 (12th)
♦️ Derek Carr – 83.0 (15th)
♦️ Carson Wentz – 82.6 (17th)
♦️ Jimmy Garoppolo – 80.8 (21st)Which QB would you trade for? ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/ENCe80ClyT
— PFF (@PFF) February 6, 2021
With another offseason under Gruden and a chance at drafting more talent, the Raiders could be a playoff contender next year.
Regardless, Carr will enter the season motivated as ever as he has been floating around in multiple rumors this offseason.
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