Raiders News: Mike Mayock Endorses Derek Carr As Starting Quarterback

Rumors continue to swirl regarding the uncertain future of Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr this offseason.

Reports indicate that the Raiders are content moving forward with Carr as their starter for the foreseeable future. However, their potential interest in high-profile quarterbacks like Deshaun Watson and Russell Wilson has indicated that nothing is set in stone just yet under center.

Fullback Alec Ingold recently came to bat for Carr with his endorsement as a bonafide Super Bowl quarterback. It appears he is not the only one in the franchise that believes as much.

Raiders general manager Mike Mayock offered up plenty of praise for Carr’s performance last season before revealing how he and head coach Jon Gruden feel about him, per ESPN’s Paul Gutierrez:

“I think Derek Carr had his best year yet, under Jon Gruden,” Mayock said in a Zoom meeting with reporters, “I think he’s one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL, and we couldn’t be happier with him. And I tell you every year — we evaluate every position every year. I have no idea who might call me [for a trade] or who might not call me. So, you have to do the evaluations, both on your own players and every other player in the league. And you’ve got to stack your boards and understand what league value is all around the league, and we do that.

“But if you’re asking me [specifically] about Derek, I think Jon and I would both stand shoulder to shoulder and pound the table for Derek Carr.”

There is certainly plenty of truth to Mayock’s comments regarding Carr’s third year under Gruden’s tutelage. He posted some of the best numbers of his career after throwing for 4,103 yards, 27 touchdowns, and nine interceptions while leading the 10th-highest-scoring offense in the NFL.

Despite Carr’s efforts, the Raiders were unable to prevent another second-half collapse after missing the postseason at 8-8. Of course, it is safe to say that this was largely due to their deficiencies on the defensive side of the ball as opposed to what was going on under center.

Mayock speaking on behalf of Gruden regarding their stance on Carr only helps solidify the notion that the team does not plan on making any substantial changes at the quarterback position. Regardless, there is still plenty of offseason left and all it takes is one potential deal to cause a change-of-heart in Las Vegas.