Derek Carr Talks 'True' Raiders Fans, Desire to Play with Marshawn Lynch

Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr addressed the franchise's impending relocation during a press conference Monday.

In March, NFL owners approved the Raiders' plan to move to Las Vegas, but the team won't officially relocate to its new home until 2019, setting up two lame-duck seasons in the Bay Area.

Carr said he doesn't believe Raiders fans will "split up" following the confirmation of the relocation and that "true" fans will continue to support the team, per the Las Vegas Review-Journal's Michael Gehlken.

He would later clarify his comments on Twitter:

The two-time Pro Bowler also discussed the potential arrival of Marshawn Lynch.

"I hope to play with him, but I'm focused on the guys who are here today," Carr said, according to ESPN.com's Paul Gutierrez. "Add a great player to a team? Absolutely."

NFL Network's Michael Silver and Mike Garafolo reported last Friday the Raiders had agreed to terms on a contract with Lynch. Since the Seattle Seahawks still hold his rights, though, Oakland will have to clear that hurdle before it can finalize a deal.

Signing Lynch—an Oakland native—would likely help the Raiders placate some fans still angry about the relocation. In addition to any public relations boost Lynch would provide, he'd also help address a major personnel need in the Raiders offense since the team has failed to sign a replacement for Latavius Murray.

After they won 12 games and reached the playoffs in 2016, expectations will be high for the Raiders in 2017.

Carr provided fans with good news Monday when he said he's "ready to rock" after recovering from his season-ending leg injury, per the Bay Area News Group's Jimmy Durkin:

The clock is ticking for Oakland regarding Carr's contract. The 26-year-old only has one more year remaining on his current deal. Carr said he's hopeful the two sides can agree on an extension before training camp, per Gehlken.

Considering the difficulty in finding a franchise QB in today's NFL, it's almost certainly a matter of when—rather than if—the Raiders lock up Carr for the long term.

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