The Las Vegas Raiders realized that they were better off with quarterback Derek Carr than without him.
To make him feel secure about his job, they allowed Marcus Mariota to sign a two-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons.
Then, they gave Carr a three-year, $121.5 million extension that ties him with the team until the 2025 season.
His annual average value makes him the newest member of the $40 Million Club among quarterbacks.
However, Pro Football Focus’ Ari Meirov revealed the guaranteed money Carr will get from the contract.
Derek Carr's extension with the #Raiders has $25M fully-guaranteed.
He has another $40.4M guaranteed for injury only. That all converts to fully-guaranteed 3 days after next year's Super Bowl.
He also secured a no-trade clause.
But a team friendly deal, like Carr said today. https://t.co/6ZdRD1Gic4
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) April 14, 2022
Meirov tweeted, “Derek Carr’s extension with the #Raiders has $25M fully guaranteed. He has another $40.4M guaranteed for injury only. That all converts to fully guaranteed 3 days after next year’s Super Bowl. He also secured a no-trade clause. But a team-friendly deal, like Carr said today.”
As Meirov initially shared, it was important for Carr to sign a team-friendly contract because he was heartbroken after losing Khalil Mack because of the previous deal he signed.
That’s why he will count for only $34.8 million against the cap in 2023 when the contract extension kicks in.
Raiders Not Afraid To Spend
Carr’s contract extension continues the Raiders’ high spending this offseason.
First, they gave Maxx Crosby a four-year, $98 million extension.
Then, the team brought in Chandler Jones on a three-year, $51 million deal to elevate their pass rush.
Las Vegas also pushed all their chips to give All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams a five-year, $121.5 million contract.
Finally, Carr stays with the Raiders for a while after agreeing to an extension.
The Raiders still have $5 million in cap space for 2022, and they might cut some players to create more space to pay for their draft picks.
These players will help them remain competitive in the AFC West, with Russell Wilson, Justin Herbert, and Patrick Mahomes at quarterback.
NEXT: Josh McDaniels Trying To Become The Next Bill Belichick In Las Vegas