The Raiders locked in 5 players to contract extensions this offseason, to the tune of $439M in total value. Of that, $227M is considered to be practically guaranteed, with $108M fully guaranteed at signing. If we dive even deeper, we learn that the 2023 season isn't 100% guaranteed for any of these new contracts.
With Las Vegas' season floundering, the hot stove will soon be full of future predictions for the state of this roster going forward. How safe are these 5 contracts heading toward 2023?
Derek Carr
3 years, $121,500,000
Carr’s latest extension carries $65.2M of potential guarantees - but only $25M at signing (his 2022 compensation).
This is a contract to watch in the coming months, as it truly can be a 1 year, $25M deal in its simplest form. If he’s healthy, the Raiders can release Carr before February 15th, owing him no additional salary, while taking on a measly $5.6M dead cap hit ($29.2M saved). After this date, his $33M salary for 2023, + $7.5M of 2024 compensation become fully guaranteed. All $40M of this is currently guaranteed for injury right now.
Davante Adams
5 years, $140,000,000
The Raiders gave up a 1st and 2nd round pick to bring on Adams, both from the 2022 draft. They turned around and handed him a 5 year, $140M contract that included over $65M guaranteed - but only $22.75M guaranteed at signing.
Like Carr’s contract, there’s an out after 2022, but the dead cap that remains ($31.4M) with Las Vegas to trade Adams next March seems too rich to take on - even if the draft pick haul would be enticing. Even if the Raiders start over at the QB position, having a player of Adams’ ability makes sense - at least for a minute.
Maxx Crosby
4 years, $94,000,000
$26.5M of the $53M practically guaranteed on this contract is fully locked in at signing, including a $10.05M roster bonus for 2023. When March 17th rolls around, another $26.5M fully guaranteed (2023 salary + 2024 salary).
Crosby’s a centerpiece to build around regardless of who’s coaching or playing quarterback, and this deal isn’t too much for any franchise to tolerate.
Darren Waller
3 years, $51,000,000
Las Vegas’ good-faith extension for Waller appears to be a disastrous decision as they reportedly tried to shop the 30 year old at the trade deadline, then placed him on the IR a few weeks later. $8.25M of his 2023 salary is already fully guaranteed, with another $2.75M set to lock on March 17th. Will they look to find a suitor for a 1 year, $11M guarantee? If so, the Raiders will take on just a $660,000 dead cap hit for 2023 - nearly $12M of savings.
Hunter Renfrow
2 years, $32,000,000
Renfrow’s 3 year contract comes with $14.5M guaranteed at signing, including a $4.32M roster bonus in 2023. His $6.5M salary for next season fully locks in on March 17th. Like Adams, it’s likely Renfrow sticks through 2023. The deal contains no guarantee for the 2024 season.