Michael Crabtree has great respect for Raiders quarterback Derek Carr. That was clear last year, when the veteran flew across the country for an off-the-books passing camp.
In Bakersfield. During the quietest time in the NFL calendar.
NFL players spent late June on white-sand beaches, during a month-long respite for training camp. Crabtree gave up a weekend in the San Joaquin Valley, working with Carr and other Raiders receivers.
Carr missed most of 2015’s offseason program with a nerve issue, and Crabtree wanted to build chemistry with his new quarterback. He has known Carr for years, after playing with his brother David as a 49er.