Ex-Raiders GM Credits Jon Gruden For Derek Carr's Peak With The Raiders

Was Jon Gruden the 'secret sauce' to Derek Carr's brief success with the Raiders? Former Las Vegas Raiders general manager Mike Mayock believed so. 

Mayock commented this week on Derek Carr, saying the quarterback has been on a decline since Gruden ran the Raiders.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 14:  General manager Mike Mayock of the Las Vegas Raiders walks on the field during warmups before a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 02: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after a touchdown pass against the Kansas City Chiefs during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 2, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 10:  Head coach Jon Gruden of the Las Vegas Raiders reacts during a game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium on October 10, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Bears defeated the Raiders 20-9.  (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Gruden's departure was a blow to the team, especially for Carr, who Mike Mayock said benefited from the coach's tutelage. And has been on the decline since … 

"I thought Jon did an unbelievable job with Derek Carr," Mayock said during a guest appearance on "3 & Out." "Since Jon left, Derek has gone downhill."

Carr threw for over 4,000 passing yards throughout Gruden's tenure for the Raiders. However, there hasn't been much drop-off since Gruden left Carr.

The 33-year-old has thrown for over 3,500 yards in the past two seasons. 

Las Vegas released Carr after the 2022 season. He reunited with former Raiders coach Dennis Allen in New Orleans. Since the coach's track record disregards offense, it was impressive to watch Carr complete nearly 70 percent of his passes in 2023, tallying 25 passing touchdowns and eight interceptions. So there's enough talent there, even without Gruden.

In 2021, Jon Gruden resigned because of an infamous email leak, uncovering messages about badmouthing NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and mentioning other unsavory things. 

Mayock was the general manager at the time. The Raiders released him after the season, drawing some criticism on the way out for not promoting then-interim coach Rich Bisaccia, who guided the Raiders to a postseason appearance after Gruden's exit.

The former general manager still credited Carr as a "top 12 or 13" quarterback in the league. 

It wasn't a compliment, but it was not entirely a diss. Mayock at least took credit for whiffing on first-round draft picks (Clelin Ferrell, anyone?).

(Is Mayock salty about his time in Las Vegas, or is Derek Carr an underwhelming QB? Send us a message: alejandro.avila@outkick.com) 

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