Why Signing Brady Makes No Sense for the Raiders
Carr is still a polarizing figure in Raider Nation. Despite a statistically excellent season, where he set new individual and franchise marks for efficiency, many in the fanbase and media don’t believe Gruden is happy long-term with the seven-year pro.
Looking at it simply: why would the Raiders, a young team on the rise, ditch a younger, efficient, good citizen quarterback who is progressing in an offensive system for a QB – no matter how accomplished – at the end of the line?
Carr made strides in his second season in Gruden’s complex offensive system and that can’t be emphasized enough. While many think too many excuses are made for Carr, his revolving door at offensive coordinator shouldn’t be overlooked or minimized.
During the 2019 season, in an interview with ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio, Carr said the differences between his first and second season under Gruden were like night and day.
“Year 2, we’re having a different level of conversations,” Carr told ESPN. “I have two offseasons under my belt, almost two training camps under my belt, I have a full year of experience under my belt, of knowing what checks he wants, what he wants me to get to, what his thought process is on third-and-short, on second-and-short, I know what routes he wants me checking to versus different looks. I’m doing my best just to execute this difficult offense. There’s just so much on the quarterback’s plate that it’s different from some of the other systems that I’ve been in.”
| Derek Carr Season | Comp % | Yards | Y/A | TDs | INTs | QB% |
| 2018 | 68.9 | 4049 | 7.3 | 19 | 10 | 93.9 |
| 2019 | 70.4 | 4054 | 7.9 | 21 | 8 | 100.8 |
Despite an increased comfort level in Gruden’s system in Year 2, and better individual performance, the Raiders still continued to struggle putting points on the board. In 2018, they ranked 28th in scoring offense with 18.1 points per game and improved in 2019 slightly climbing to 24th overall with 19.6 points per game. The Raiders and Carr both struggled terribly scoring in the second half of games in 2019.
Despite struggles in 2019 with scoring, there’s no question – especially early on – Carr looked far more comfortable and confident in the pocket and the results proved that. There have been no indications he doesn’t have the locker room and his teammates are quick to defend and stand by his side. That says a lot for a QB who divides a fanbase.
For the Raiders to make a move to an older quarterback, even if it is the GOAT, makes little sense when they have more pressing issues like a defense which must improve significantly to make a push to the playoffs. They have no linebacking corps, need help inside, at EDGE, and at cornerback and safety. At this point, even though QB is vital to winning in today’s NFL, building the rest of the roster to help their existing signal-caller makes more sense.
Never Say Never
There’s my yin-and-yang to the Raiders making a push to go get Tom Brady – if that’s even possible. I’d still bet Tom Brady returns to end his career in New England and the Raiders draft a young backup to sit behind Derek Carr in 2020.
While I emphatically believe that is what will happen, I’ve also learned throughout my life to never say never. I thought it impossible the Raiders would trade Khalil Mack after Jon Gruden took the reigns of the Silver and Black.
One thing I can guarantee long-time Raiders fans and new converts here in Las Vegas: it will be a wild ride this spring and summer for Las Vegas’ NFL franchise.