In recent years, the Las Vegas Raiders have faced a decline after their playoff appearance in 2021, led by then-quarterback Derek Carr, who now plays for the New Orleans Saints. Under Carr’s helm, the Raiders clinched a postseason spot with a thrilling win over the Los Angeles Chargers in the final game of the season.
However, organizational changes, including Jon Gruden’s departure and Josh McDaniels’ short-lived stint as head coach, altered the team dynamic. Carr’s departure from the Raiders in 2022 coincided with a mixed bag of results with the Saints, failing to guide them to the playoffs.
Former Raiders general manager Mike Mayock suggested that Gruden played a pivotal role in Carr’s growth, and his exit may have hindered Carr’s progress.
Mayock emphasized Gruden’s influence on Carr’s development, stating, “Since Jon left, Derek has gone downhill.” Despite the speculation, Mayock revealed that the Raiders never seriously entertained trade offers for Carr, citing the challenge of finding a suitable replacement and the team’s year-over-year improvement.
Despite Carr’s departure, he remains the Raiders’ all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns, despite the team’s lack of playoff success during his tenure. As Carr continues his career with the Saints, Mayock’s insights shed light on the intricacies of Carr’s journey with the Raiders.
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