Derek Carr is going to get his wish.
Since his arrival in Oakland in April, Carr has praised wide receiver Michael Crabtree, both on and off-the-field, and when asked in early-November if he'd like to see the veteran wide out return to the Silver and Black next season, the starting quarterback didn't mince words.
"I would love 'Crab' to be here for a long time," said Carr.
Now that's exactly what will happen for Crabtree, who signed a four-year extension with the club Wednesday.
Crabtree, has been as good, if not better, than advertised for Carr and the Raiders offense since crossing the Bay Bridge and joining the Raiders in the offseason after spending the first six years of his career with the San Francisco 49ers.
Through 12 games, Crabtree has hauled in a team-leading 66 passes for 760 yards, which ranks just behind just rookie standout Amari Cooper's 920 and has proven to be a valuable asset week in and week out for the Silver and Black.
In addition to his seven receiving touchdowns, which currently leads the Raiders, he's also on pace to break the 1,000-yard marker for just the second time in his career.
One aspect of Crabtree's game that may have been overlooked is the veteran's consistency – he's the first Raiders player with at least four receptions in 12 straight games to begin a season, and he's also secured four straight receptions in 13 straight games dating back to last year, which is the fifth longest active streak in the NFL.
Additonally, he's continually demonstrated his ability to be a vertical threat this season as he's tied for first in the NFL with Odell Beckham Jr., with five 25-plus-yard touchdown receptions.
"'Crab' [Michael Crabtree] is awesome," Carr said last month. "Obviously he makes big plays, as we've seen. I trust him. I'll throw it before he even breaks, but we built that trust. We built that and he's such a joy to be around. He's literally one of my favorite teammates I've ever had because he's so passionate."
Carr continued, "He's so competitive. He's one of the most competitive people I've ever been around and that works well with me."
With Crabtree's extension, he and Carr will now get a chance to continue to build their on-field relationship, and combined with Cooper, the trio presents a formidable young nucleues on the offensive side of the football.
"This is where I belong," Crabtree said immediately following his signing. "We gotta do what we gotta do. I'm a Raider."
