Derek Carr says he ‘cannot wait’ to face Maxx Crosby and the Raiders

Apr 8, 2024, 10:58 AM

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 14: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 and defensive end Maxx Crosby #98 of the Las Vegas Raiders bump fists after participating in a coin toss before the team's preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium on August 14, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated Vikings the 26-20. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

BY JOSEPH JAROSZ

Former Editor

Maxx Crosby will get a chance to face off against his former teammate next season. And Derek Carr cannot wait.

The Las Vegas Raiders will travel to New Orleans to face off against their former quarterback. This will be the first time Carr will take on the organization he called home for nine seasons.

When that game will take place is still unknown. But, while answering fan questions over the weekend, Carr said he’s looking forward to the matchup against Crosby and Company.

“Hopefully I’m going to try and start a fight with him [Maxx Crosby] and punch him, and then have the ref only see him throw his punch back. That’s my goal,” Carr jokingly said.

A Defensive Player of the Year finalist this past season, Crosby led the league with 23 tackles for a loss, his second year in a row leading the NFL in that category. The 26-year-old edge rusher finished the 2023 NFL season tied for fifth in the league for sacks (14.5) with a 92 defensive grade from Pro Football Focus, the fifth highest of all defensive players. Maxx Crosby led the Raiders in quarterback hits (31) and quarterback pressures (50), too.

Carr revenge game coming up this season, lol @CrosbyMaxx pic.twitter.com/RSzrILegcQ

— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) April 6, 2024

The Raiders drafted Derek Carr in 2014. He ended up starting 142 games for the Silver and Black over his nine years as the team’s starter, throwing for a franchise-leading 35,222 passing yards. He finished his career with the Raiders with 62-78 record, took the team to the playoffs twice and made four Pro Bowl appearances.

With two weeks remaining in the 2022 season, the Las Vegas Raiders made the surprising decision to bench their long-time starter. Through an up-and-down season, Carr’s benching was the final nail in the coffin of his Raiders career.

In his first year with New Orleans, he played and started all 17 games for the Saints, throwing for 3,878 yards and 25. The team finished with a 9-8 record, failed to make the postseason.