The Las Vegas Raiders made some headlines when they worked out free agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Kaepernick hasn’t played in the NFL since the 2016 season but is open to returning to the league in any capacity.

New Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels wanted to make sure that working out Kaepernick was not an indictment on Derek Carr. Carr did recently sign an extension with the team, which should show how committed they are to him.

Part of the reason that McDaniels took the job was the opportunity to work with Carr, who is one of the more underrated quarterbacks in the NFL. He has been a pillar of consistency for the franchise that has seen some turbulent times in recent years.

Thus far, McDaniels has been very happy with how things have gone with Carr, who is coming off the best season of his career. In 2021, he threw for 4,804 yards and that number could very well increase in 2022.

“He’s a great human being and he’s a really smart football player — and you don’t have to say it five times for him to get it,” McDaniels said in his press conference last week. “There’s a natural way he learns that’s pretty easy as a coach. And he’s a great leader. So his teammates follow him. He’s a competitive guy. He wants to do it the way you want it done, which I love that about him. He knows that I’ll give him some grey, but he doesn’t want the grey. He wants [it to be], ‘Hey, tell me exactly how you want it done. I’m gonna try to do it that way.’

“So, just a great process. Really excited about the time I’ve gotten to spend with him so far. And looking forward to developing that relationship more and more as we go. Very coachable guy, sets the bar high. He’s here early, stays late, does everything you can ask of him.”

With his collegiate teammate Davante Adams now in the fold, this Las Vegas offense could become even more explosive. McDaniels is lauded for his work as an offensive coordinator with the New England Patriots and will now be bringing that aptitude to the Raiders.

The Raiders will certainly need McDaniels and Carr to be on the same page as they are in for a dogfight in the AFC West with the Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers all looking to contend this season.