Do you remember all the Derek Carr trade rumors over the past few weeks?
The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to make 299-year-old quarterbacks, according to Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Bonsignore even reported how a possible trade in three teams could enable Las Vegas to conquer Houston star Deshaun Watson.
Since the Patriots needed a serviceable appetizer, the conversation naturally changed in Ned England. It got fast: Could Derek Carr be traded to the Patriots?
Well, it looks like Mike Mayock, general manager of Raiders, put an end to all the Carr trading scenarios on Wednesday. Instead, Mayock has a glowing review of the Carr, which by most accounts is an average to below average initial signal caller.
“I think Derek Carr had his best year yet under Jon Gruden,” Mayock said according to Paul Gutierrez, ESPN. ‘I think he’s one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL and we’m happy with him …
“I think Jon Gruden and I stand shoulder to shoulder and hit the table for Derek Carr.”
Can Mayock’s sentiments be calculated or does the classic general manager speak? Yes, for sure. But if you take it at face value, it seems that Raiders values Carr a lot and therefore does not trade against him. Carr, who is entering his age of 30, has spent the last seven at the organization.
While it closes the door one potential Patriots fullback leaves another one open. It mentions the fact that Las Vegas is more likely to trade Carr’s backup in Marcus Mariota.
Reports have recently surfaced about Mariota’s trading stock due to the incentives in his contract. According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL network, Mariota, who is starting the full season, can give $ 20 million based on the incentives.
It’s no surprise that a few teams turn away, but given the Patriots’ great need for the position, New England could be a clear suitor for Mariota.
And all indications are that the Raiders have their ear on the ground.
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