Raiders to make Carr NFL’s highest paid
DEREK CARR wanted to be a Raider for life. On Thursday, he got much closer to his wish and a whole lot more.
The Oakland Raiders and their star quarterback have finalized a five-year extension worth $125 million that will make Carr the highest paid player in league history, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Carr, who will make $25 million next season, is passing Colts QB Andrew Luck as the highest paid player in the league in terms of average money per year, per NFL Network.
The Raiders drafted Carr in the second round of the 2014 NFL draft out of Fresno State and he has quickly become one of the top quarterbacks in the league.
In 2016, Carr threw for 28 touchdowns, and cut his interceptions down to six. Carr’s QB rating and overall numbers have improved in each of his three seasons in the league.
Carr was selected to backto-back Pro Bowls in 2015 and 2016, and has been a crucial part in turning the Raiders franchise around. The 26-year-old signalcaller helped lead the Raiders back to the playoffs for the first time in fourteen years last season.
After leading the Raiders to a 12-3 start in 2016, Carr suffered a broken fibula in Week 16 and missed the playoff game against the Texans.
“Now it’s done! From the jump I’ve wanted to be a Raider 4 life,” Carr tweeted Thursday morning. “One step closer to that! Blessed!!! Business done! Let’s just play now!!!
Although Carr plans to remain a Raider for the long-term, he won’t be an Oakland Raider for long. In March, the NFL approved the franchise’s relocation to Las Vegas, which will take place in 2019.