Oakland Raiders Free Agency: Examining the Roster, One Week Later
Dec 28, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) drops back to pass in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
1. Quarterbacks
Player lost or released: Matt Schaub
Player signed: Christian Ponder
Incumbents: Derek Carr and Matt McGloin
Probable Starter: Derek Carr
Derek Carr took over the starting job week 1 as a rookie last year, and started all 16 games as the Raiders quarterback, becoming one of only seven rookie QB’s in NFL history to throw for over 3,000 yards and 20 TD’s. While some questions emerged about his Total QBR, his analytical grades, and his incredibly low average yards per attempt, he did produce, he showed great leadership qualities, and he showed he can get the ball out of his hands and not take sacks like his older brother.
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Matt McGloin, who started seven games in 2013 after the Terrelle Pryor experiment ended, also remains on the roster, and at times last year looked to be the #2 guy on the depth chart. There has been word he is asking for a trade now that Christian Ponder has been added, so look for McGloin to potentially move on before the draft or on draft day.
Christian Ponder was drafted by Minnesota in the first round of the 2011 draft, and spent his first three seasons with Bill Musgrave as his offensive coordinator. Ponder started 35 games under Musgrave, and helped the team to a 10-6 record in 2012, a season most remembered for Adrian Peterson’s 2,000-yard effort. Ponder threw for 2,935 yards and 18 TD’s that year, and has thrown 38 TD’s and 36 picks in his four-year career. Ponder looks to be the Raiders new #2 quarterback.
If McGloin does indeed move on via trade or is released, look for the Raiders to acquire former Auburn QB Nick Marshall in the draft. Marshall, who is being scouted by the NFL as a defensive back, was interviewed by the Raiders at the Combine, and was reportedly asked if he’d consider playing both defensive back and also be the #3 quarterback.
Next: Raiders Roster Breakdown: Running Back