Las Vegas Raiders took care of Derek Carr this offseason

By Brad Weiss | Jun 23, 2020

BUFFALO, NY - OCTOBER 29: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders waits with teammates in the tunnel before taking the field prior to the start of NFL game action against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on October 29, 2017 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

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Raiders QB Marcus Mariota (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

Las Vegas Raiders took care of Derek Carr this offseason

A Real Backup

Since overtaking Schaub as the starter as a rookie, Carr has really not had to look over his shoulder, as all of his backups have had no real chance to beat him out for the job. In fact, heading into 2020, even his current backup is not going to unseat him, but for the first time, Carr has someone who could challenge him for the job if he falters.

Marcus Mariota is a former No. 2 overall pick, and has a resume that makes him the best No. 2 the Raiders have had behind Carr. Mariota has a career record that is only three games below .500 as a starter, his touchdown to interception ratio is 76 to 44, and he has not only beaten Kansas City, but has done so on the road in the playoffs.

The rise of Ryan Tannehill in Tennessee last season spelled the end of Mariota’s run with the Titans, but he is still only 26-years old, and Mayock is intent on fixing his issues. If anything else, the Raiders have a guy who can come in and win games if Carr gets injured, and more importantly, if somehow he takes a step backwards in Year 7.

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