Josh McDaniels hints at contract standoff between Derek Carr, Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders are trying to sign Derek Carr to a contract extension, but it appears there is at least some gap between the two sides in negotiations.

Josh McDaniels on Monday was asked for an update on Carr’s contract situation. The head coach expressed optimism that a deal will get done, but he said both Carr and the Raiders need to do what is best for them.

“Derek’s gonna have to make decisions about what’s best for him,” McDaniels said. “That’s what each man’s right is, and they should do that for their families. At the same time, we’ve gotta try to do what’s right for the team. There will be a sweet spot in there for everybody, hopefully.”

A report last week claimed the Raiders and Carr have begun extension talks and that a deal is viewed as a “formality.”

McDaniels clearly believes in Carr. The quarterback is entering the final year of his current contract, and McDaniels appears to have taken the job with the expectation that Carr will sign an extension.

The Raiders received some inquiries from teams that were interested in trading for Carr, but nothing ever came of that. It would be a surprise at this point if the two sides can’t work something out.

Photo: Sep 13, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) before playing against the Baltimore Ravens at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports