Who wins the backup QB job?
When it comes to the quarterback position, Derek Carr is the starter, and that will remain the case for the foreseeable future. The problem is, Carr has missed time the last two seasons due to injury, and the Raiders need to make sure they have a capable backup quarterback heading into Week 1.
Both EJ Manuel and Connor Cook were on the roster last season, though Manuel is the only quarterback outside of Carr who saw time. Cook started the Raiders playoff game two seasons ago, but he was basically destroyed by a very tough Houston Texans team in the Divisional Round.
In Cook’s support, that was his first game action in the NFL, and he was going up against a very good defensive team. When it comes to Manuel, he has the experience needed to be a solid backup quarterback in this league, though his days as a starter are likely over.
The hope is that Carr can stay healthy for a full 16-game slate this season, but you never know what happens. Manuel will enter training camp as the No. 2, but Gruden did have high praise for Cook when the signal-caller was in college, and will give the youngster every opportunity to win the backup job this summer.