Raiders’ first priority isn’t a new Derek Carr contract

The Las Vegas Raiders are focused on signing DE Maxx Crosby to a contract extension while negotiations with QB Derek Carr have yet to start.

The Raiders plan to lock up two of their most important players to contract extensions this year but one is taking precedence over the other.

According to a new report, Las Vegas has begun talks with defensive end Maxx Crosby. However, they have not opened negotiations with quarterback Derek Carr yet.

“Contract extension talks have begun and are going well, according to league sources, and there is a very good chance Crosby will get a new deal before quarterback Derek Carr,” Vic Tafur of The Athletic reported.

Raiders focused on signing Maxx Crosby before Derek Carr

Crosby is entering his fourth season in the NFL after the Raiders drafted him in 2019. His selection in the fourth round has paid off in spades. He hit the ground running with 10 sacks and four forced fumbles as a rookie, continuing to develop with eight sacks and 30 QB hits during a Pro Bowl season in 2021.

Making sure Crosby stays with the team for the long-term is an easy decision for the franchise, even if it means signing him up to a deal that will make him one of the highest-paid defenders in the league. The Carr question is a bit more complex.

Carr has been with the team since 2014 with 127 starts to his name. He’s undoubtedly a good quarterback. The question is whether he can take the team to the next level.

Raiders officials have publically stated they intend for him to be their quarterback in 2022. He’s in the final year of his deal, so if they want him to remain their QB in 2023 an extension could avoid the complications of free agency.

Apparently, there’s “no rush” on that extension, for now.