The Derek Carr-Raiders era might be coming to an end

Derek Carr has been the Raiders’ franchise quarterback since 2014, but the lack of success during his era might catch up to him this year.  Carr was drafted in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft, and since that point, he has missed just two games as the starting quarterback of the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders.

This is his ninth year wearing the silver and black, and he’s been a consistent force for them since being drafted.  The endless amount of roster changes and coaching staffs would have any franchise swirling like a tornado, but Carr has kept them, at worst, somewhat competitive.

However, in Carr’s nine years as the Raiders’ starter, the success of the team overall hasn’t been there.  Right now, unless something major changes in 2022, Carr will only have two winning seasons as the Raiders’ starting quarterback, one coming in 2016, and the other coming in 2021.

Perhaps some think that the lack of success is due to the lack of quality front offices and subsequent roster moves, but throughout all of that change, the one constant on the teams has been Derek Carr.

So, isn’t it possible that he just isn’t good enough to lead a franchise?  There always seemed to be rumors about Carr getting traded, especially when Jon Gruden was in town.  None of those rumors came true, but it’s easy to see why they would start.

What kind of QB is Derek Carr?

Derek Carr might be the new “Dalton Scale” quarterback.  This article hits on what the Dalton Scale is.  Basically, if your quarterback is better than Andy Dalton, you’re in good shape, but if your quarterback is worse than Andy Dalton, it’s time for an upgrade.

I think we can rename the Dalton Scale to the Carr Scale.  To me, he is the epitome of average.  Only one time during his career he has thrown more than 30 touchdown passes in a season.

His career completion percentage of 64.9% is about average, and he’s won just 59 regular season games in his nine years in the NFL.  Over his career, he has thrown for 202 touchdown passes on 90 interceptions.

Over a 17-game season, his average stat line is less than inspiring:

4,227 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.  His career passer rating of 92.1 is nothing of note and he doesn’t exactly fill the stat sheet.  To me, he is as average as they come.  If nothing else, he can be a stabilizing force during tough times.  He’s got a low ceiling and a high floor, so, for the most part, you know what you are getting with Derek Carr.

However, for the Raiders, that has never been good enough.  Perhaps the team will look to cut ties with the quarterback, as the recent extension he signed is actually very moveable.

Perhaps a team like the New York Jets, who crumble under Zach Wilson, could use a QB upgrade like Carr.  There are other teams who could also have an interest as well.  Derek Carr won’t will his team to victory, but he is someone you can win with, and sometimes win because of.