Oakland Raiders: More pressure on Derek Carr than Antonio Brown

The Oakland Raiders agreed upon a deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers to acquire wide receiver Antonio Brown. What does that mean for quarterback Derek Carr?

Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr is heading into a crucial 2019 season — now multiply that by two with wideout Antonio Brown onboard. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Raiders came to an agreement to acquire Brown in exchange for a third- and fifth-round pick Saturday. The exchange isn’t official until March 13:

The move provides the offense with a top-flight wide receiver, arguably the best in the league. Carr signed a five-year, $125 million deal during the 2017 offseason, which suggests he’s a franchise quarterback. Yet, there have been some questions as to whether he remains on the roster through the offseason.

Swirling rumors have connected head coach Jon Gruden to incoming rookie quarterback Kyler Murray, per NBC’s Peter King (h/t Andrew Perloff):

In 2018, Carr eclipsed 4,000 passing yards for the first time in a single season, but he only showed moderate improvement through the year. He threw just three touchdown passes and two interceptions in the final quarter of the term. Some would say he needed offensive talent around him.

The Raiders traded wide receiver Amari Cooper before last year’s deadline, leaving tight end Jared Cook, wideout Jordy Nelson and running back Jalen Richard as the top options in the passing attack. Though Cook will test free agency and Nelson goes into his age-34 campaign, Carr has an elite playmaker in Brown.

If Gruden is on the fence about Carr long term, this is the year the 27-year-old signal-caller can put any doubts about his ability to rest. D.C to A.B. could become a highly productive connection in the coming year.

No one can dispute Brown’s production in Pittsburgh. He’s a four-time All-Pro, led the league in touchdowns (15) last year and listed No. 1 in receiving yards (1,533) for the 2017 term. The 30-year-old hasn’t shown any signs of decline. Carr should have one of his best years with Mr. Big Chest beating single- and double-coverage downfield.

With Brown’s eye-popping numbers, many will ask what’s wrong with Carr if this quarterback-wide receiver connection doesn’t pan out as expected.

On the positive side, a second year in Gruden’s system with a dominant wide receiver could give the fanbase a flashback at 2016 Carr or better. Brown won’t have to worry about his quarterback calling him out in public. After a tough loss or a broken play, Carr is the first person to point the finger at himself.

Carr’s tendency to shoulder the blame could also work against him.

Keep in mind Oakland has two 2020 first-round picks because of the Khalil Mack trade. Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock can pivot at the most important position if they’re not satisfied with the rapport between their two highest-paid players.

They’ve just invested in Brown, $30.1 million guaranteed, and Carr is only owed $5 million in dead cash after the 2019 season. Guess who would be replaced? Here’s the question Raiders brass would have to ponder, do we have our guy under center for years to come?

Carr has never been lukewarm about his pride and honor in wearing a Raider uniform. He’s played through a broken pinky, fractured bones in his back and may have led the team through a strong run during the 2017 postseason if not for a broken leg. However, it’s a league that focuses on what you’ve done lately. The fifth-year signal-caller has a wide receiver who’s still in his prime, an elite contributor and probably going to the Hall of Fame.

Regardless of the Silver and Black’s 2019 record, this offense should put some trepidation in the minds of defensive backs. Brown will certainly beat his assignments; His quarterback just needs to get him the ball.

Carr must optimize Brown’s skill set, feed the star wideout in crucial moments, and use him to free space for others. That’s what franchise quarterbacks do.