ALAMEDA – Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie publicly stated when he plans to start serious talks extended quarterback Derek Carr’s contract.
That will occur after the NFL draft.
That was in late March, at the NFL owners meetings.
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On Monday, Carr established an end date. The team’s franchise quarterback said he wanted a deal done by the start of training camp. After that, Carr’s focused solely on football. That sentiment would seem to extend into the winter, when unrestricted free agency looms ever larger.
Neither side wants that.
McKenzie is confident a deal can get done in the post-draft, pre-camp window despite the complexities inherent with what might be a nine-figure contract. The Raiders and Carr's camp have had extensive preliminary talks to blaze a trail for an extension, which should make this final stage easier.
“I feel good about it,” McKenzie said Friday in a pre-draft press conference. “When both sides want to get it done, that’s a great first step. I’m looking forward to getting it done by then.”
NFL
McKenzie has budgeted to extend three core members drafted in 2014. Carr is first up, with right guard Gabe Jackson likely coming down the pike. Edge rusher Khalil Mack has a monster contract extension coming as well, though, there’s more time to get that done with the Raiders picking up his fifth-year option for 2018 on Thursday.