Raiders Reportedly Interested in Marcus Mariota in Free Agency
By Michael Luciano
The Las Vegas Raiders are at an interesting juncture this season with regards to their quarterback room, as they still have Derek Carr instilled as the starter on a hefty contract, but haven't ruled themselves out of the Tom Brady sweepstakes. No matter who starts, a backup quarterback better than DeShone Kizer is needed urgently.
The Raiders are interested in bringing in former Oregon star and Tennessee Titans No. 2 overall pick Marcus Mariota as a backup to either Brady or Carr.
On NFL NOW, @MikeGarafolo says the Raiders are interested in Mariota. Reports they are more likely to go after a veteran 1B backup like Mariota than Brady.
— Gregg Rosenthal (@greggrosenthal) March 6, 2020
Mariota threw seven touchdowns against two interceptions in six starts for the Titans last season, but they made the correct decision to start Ryan Tannehill after a bad loss to the Denver Broncos. Tannehill proceeded to win Comeback Player of the Year, lead the league in passer rating, and lead the Titans to the AFC Championship game.
Still, Mariota has proven over the last five years he has the accuracy and scrambling ability to distance himself from the dime a dozen backups this league has to offer. If the Raiders want a solid backup for Brady or some competition for Carr, Mariota makes a ton of sense.
Is Marcus Mariota an upgrade, a downgrade, or the same as Derek Carr?
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 6, 2020
While last season wasn't the best look for Mariota, his nearly has a 2-to-1 TD/INT ratio in his career, has won a road playoff game, and is one of the better running quarterbacks in the league. His accuracy and playmaking ability makes for perfect bridge quarterback material, and he has enough arm talent to at least make Carr sweat.