Oakland Raiders: Derek Carr’s big contract, more responsibility on the way

The Oakland Raiders are moving closer to extending quarterback Derek Carr, and the payout could reach $25 million per year.

Move over Andrew Luck, the Oakland Raiders could make Derek Carr the highest-paid player in the NFL.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Silver and Black may hand over the green in principle by the end of the week:

Schefter also tweeted the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league and anticipates the Raiders signal-caller will either top the list at $25 million per year or come very close:

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Some fans felt like Carr’s humble demeanor would allow the team to save money on a hometown discount. However, a starting signal-caller takes majority blame for losses and most of the credit for victories. After years of mediocre or subpar quarterback play in Oakland, No. 4 deserves every penny when considering the team’s trajectory since he took over the helm.

Furthermore, we already saw what the Raiders offense looks like without Carr. How does 303 passing yards, three touchdowns, six turnovers and 20 points in two games sound to you? That’s how the Raiders finished the previous campaign without their humble leader.

Despite NFL Network Michael Silver’s report about Carr’s frustrations with the negotiating process, the Raiders quarterback didn’t publicly discuss anything other than faith in the organization to keep him in silver and black for the long term, per Fresno Bee reporter Anthony Galaviz:

"“I have complete faith it will get done before training camp. These things take time. The Raiders know I want to be here; this is my family, and I know they want me to be their quarterback.”"

Though, he gave a deadline in which he’d break off talks and focus on football and discussed it with the media after an organized team activity practice.

"“I wouldn’t even answer my phone,” Carr said. “The money isn’t the thing that drives me. What drives me is making sure I’m giving everything that I have with my abilities, and making sure that we win. And I don’t want anything distracting my thought process at all.”"

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Barring a catastrophic snag in negotiations, Oakland also avoids the Washington Redskins potentially resetting the price tag for newly-paid starting quarterbacks with promise. Kirk Cousins could also sign a top-dollar contract before the deadline for franchise-tagged players to sign long-term deals on July 17.

Looking further ahead, general manager Reggie McKenzie and his salary cap team still have work to do. Obviously, Carr ranks as the top in-house priority. After finalizing the deal, the front office must get back to the negotiating table with offensive guard Gabe Jackson, who’s also set for an extension:

Likely without hesitation, the Raiders exercised the fifth-year option on their 2014 first-round pick edge-rusher Khalil Mack, which gives the team an extra year to hash out a new contract for the reigning Defensive Player of the Year.

Assuming the Carr’s record-deal becomes final in the coming days, the Raiders’ future looks bright with a franchise quarterback who’s earned respect throughout the organization from the top executives down to the players inside the huddle.

From a broader perspective, Carr has improved his play every year since taking over the starting position in 2014. Last year, his touchdown total didn’t rise above his 2015 output, but he threw seven fewer interceptions (6). When looking at the film, you can see improvement in his footwork, ability to deliver in the clutch and command of the offense.

Next: Raiders: 3 Reasons Carr deserves to be $25 million man

New offensive coordinator Todd Downing is expected to allow Carr more freedom to tailor play calls to situations on the field (per CSN Bay Area). The 26-year old’s play breeds trust in his decision-making.

Carr will make the big bucks, but in the upcoming season, he’ll also be expected to make big decisions with more control within the offense. Based on his work ethic and previous play, he’s equipped to excel with all the offensive weapons around him.