Grading the Las Vegas Raiders additions on offense
Marcus Mariota, QB, Tennessee Titans
Depending on your opinion of Derek Carr and Marcus Mariota, the former Tennessee Titan is coming to Las Vegas either as a backup or to steal the QB1 job. Mariota had his job taken from him by Ryan Tannehill in 2019 and if it was up to him then he would do the same to Carr. We have discussed the pros and cons of adding Mariota to the Raiders at length and by most accounts it’s a great move for all parties.
If the move pushes Carr to excel by bringing him some real competition for the first time in years, with all due respect to Mike Glennon and EJ Manuel, then it’s a win for the Raiders. If Carr is injured then the Raiders have a more than competent backup ready to step in at any time. Lastly, if Carr struggles then Mariota, long a favorite of Mayock and Jon Gruden, can steal the job and serve as a bridge to the next era of Raiders football.
The contract numbers have not been revealed just yet but that will serve as a greater insight as to what the Raiders envision Mariota’s role to be. If he is coming to Las Vegas on a one year deal to try and prove himself in search of his next job then the Raiders will expect him to serve primarily as a backup, but if he signed a long-term deal then they may view him as a potential replacement for Carr.
Regardless of what their expectations are, the addition of Mariota improves the quarterback position and gives the Raiders a new wrinkle to their offense.