John Hefti/Associated Press

Derek Carr Talks Rebuilding Raiders, Finding out 'Who Really Wants to Be Here'

Adam Wells

Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr has found something positive to take away from what has quickly turned into a disastrous season for the franchise. 

Following Thursday's 34-3 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, Carr told reporters the Raiders are figuring out which players will be part of their long-term future. 

"I think, going forward, we build that trust and see who really wants to be a part of this," Carr said, via NBC Sports Bay Area's Scott Bair. "You see who really wants to be here. Who really wants to turn this thing around? Who really wants to do the hard things that no one else wants to do?"

Carr's future with the organization beyond this season has been a source of speculation as more high-priced veterans have been traded. 

CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora reported last month that multiple general managers around the NFL suspect Raiders head coach Jon Gruden could entertain trade offers for Carr in the offseason. 

Despite that uncertainty, Carr acknowledged after Thursday's game he wasn't planning on leaving the Raiders. 

"I love this place, and I'm not going anywhere," he said. "I'm in it for the long haul. I want to be here, and I want to see the men who step up and say, 'I want to do that, too.' And, just listening to some of our veterans talk, it encouraged me a lot."

Carr's contract includes an option after this season for the Raiders to cut him without penalty before his guaranteed money goes into effect in February 2019.

If Carr remains on the Raiders roster, he will make $19.9 million in base salary next year with a $22.5 million cap hit. He's completing a career-high 72.1 percent of his passes this season but has only 10 touchdowns and eight interceptions. 

The Raiders, who have traded Khalil Mack and Amari Cooper, have the worst record in the AFC at 1-7. 

   

Read 0 Comments

Download the app for comments Get the B/R app to join the conversation

Install the App
×
Bleacher Report
(120K+)