Former Las Vegas Raiders QB Derek Carr wants the best for his old teammates. Carr signed a four-year $150 million deal with the New Orleans Saints after being released by the Raiders in February after declining a no-trade clause on his contract.
Despite the change in scenery, the soon-to-be 10-year veteran NFL QB still feels ties to the organization - but now solely through his relationship with his ex-teammates and the front office. Carr spoke to the media about how badly he wants the team to succeed, even though he's no longer an active player on their roster.
Throughout his career in the Silver and Black, Carr created a relationship with many players, including Maxx Crosby, Josh Jacobs, and Kolton Miller. Carr's relationship with wide receiver Davante Adams dates back to their days in college together at Fresno State University, where they developed chemistry both on and off the field.
Adams joined the Raiders in 2022 after spending eight seasons with the Green Bay Packers. He listed Carr's presence as one of the catalysts for joining a new team. One year later, Carr is on a different team but still values the friendship with Adams and more franchise players.
"I have so many friends over there," Carr said at an event for his foundation.
"I want them to succeed. I want Jimmy [Garoppolo] to be healthy. I want him to play great, because that helps Davante [Adams]. It helps Maxx [Crosby], Josh Jacobs. It helps all my friends, Kolton [Miller], Andre [James]. I'm going to stop naming names because someone will get upset, but all my friends over there, I just want them to have success. All I was ever trying to do was give my best so they could win.
"I want that [success] so bad for them.," said Carr. "I want them to feel that love of the game again. I want them to feel that excitement of the game again.
"I want to, even in the hard times, I want them to gel together, come together and say it's going to be all right and move on and keep pushing. And I wish that for them and hope the best for them, but I'm focused on our team. The thing that matters to me the most is the Saint's win. I want my friends to have success, and I don't want them to have hard times, but I still want the Saints to win a little more."
According to the former Las Vegas gunslinger, Raiders fans didn't see him perform to the best of his abilities last season. Carr admitted to dealing with personal issues that caused him to struggle on the field and adjust to the new offensive system that Head Coach Josh McDaniels brought to the team last year.
The Saints and Raiders aren't scheduled to play each other in 2024, giving Carr a grace period before facing his old team.
