OAKLAND – Derek Carr had his best performance of the season Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts. It didn't contribute to a victory – the Raiders lost 42-28 – but it showed how effective the quarterback can be when going strong.
Carr doesn't believe it was one of his last as a Raider. He has been the subject of trade rumors over the past few weeks as we head toward Tuesday's NFL trade deadline.
Carr doesn't believe he's going anywhere this week or in the offseason. He believes he'll continue to be the Raiders franchise quarterback, with some evidence to support that faith.
"I'll say this: the conversations I've had with those guys makes me confident I'm going to be here," Carr said. "When I heard all this stuff, it didn't worry me. It's more fun for people to talk about and try and figure things out on ESPN. I'm not worried. I'm an Oakland Raider. I'm a Raider. I'm not going anywhere. I love this place, and I want to win a championship for the Raiders."
Those statements came after a game where he completed 21-of-28 passes for 244 yards and three touchdowns, while running for another. It comes after an ESPN report saying the Raiders made it clear to Carr that he won't be traded before the deadline, and that he's likely the team's quarterback next season as well.
Carr said there was no specific conversation stating he wouldn't be dealt, as ESPN reported.
Gruden has continued to say he believes in Carr as his signal caller, and did so again Sunday.
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"I've said that I think he's going to be a great player," Gruden said. "…I'll again say that he's the strength of this team, and I'm excited about it."
