Derek Carr Fantasy News and Statistics

Following in the footsteps of his older brother, draft bust David Carr, Derek Carr played his college ball at Fresno State. During his three seasons as the Bulldogs starting quarterback, he threw for an astounding 12,843 yards and 113 touchdowns while leading the team to a 28-15 record. However, whether due to being perceived as a “system quarterback” or because of his brother’s lack of NFL success, Carr slipped to the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft. After being passed over for Blake Bortles, Johnny Manziel and Teddy Bridgewater, Carr was taken No. 36 overall by the Oakland Raiders to be their quarterback of the future.

During the 2014 preseason, Carr beat out the newly signed Matt Schaub to earn the starting job. He played well as a rookie, starting all 16 games. The team didn’t ask him to do too much, and he played under control. Carr threw for 3,270 yards and 21 touchdowns against only 12 interceptions. Despite his individual success, the Raiders remained stuck in their losing ways, losing their first ten games of the season and finishing 3-13 overall.

Losing so many games has its benefits, though, and for Carr that came in the form of wide receiver Amari Cooper. With the Alabama product and veteran free agent Michael Crabtree on the outside, Carr improved significantly in his second NFL season. He threw for 3,987 yards and 32 touchdowns with 13 interceptions. He was named to his first Pro Bowl, and the Raiders improved their record to 7-9.

Carr made a big leap during the 2016 season. He increased his passing yards per game for the third consecutive year and posted a 28-to-6 touchdown to interception ratio—the best of his career. His strongest game of the season—and likely the best of his career so far—was in Week 8 versus Tampa Bay. Carr completed 40 of 59 passes for 513 yards and four touchdowns in an overtime win. Carr was in the MVP conversation throughout the season, as he led the Raiders to a 12-3 record—the first winning season for the franchise since 2002. Unfortunately, on Christmas Eve, a player landed awkwardly on Carr’s leg, snapping his fibula and ending his season. Without their quarterback, the Raiders lost their final game of the regular season and were eliminated by the Texans in the Wild Card Round.

This past offseason, the Raiders rewarded Carr with the richest contract in NFL history, worth $125 million over five years. With outstanding receivers like Cooper and Crabtree and one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, Carr has the potential to be one of the best quarterbacks in the league. The sky is the limit if he is able to improve his play for the fourth season in a row. He will likely be in the MVP conversation once again, and the Raiders will be one of the favorites to make it to Super Bowl LII.