Las Vegas Raiders: Fact or fiction for biggest 2020 season question marks
Las Vegas Raiders: Fact or fiction for biggest 2020 season question marks
Jon Gruden Benches Derek Carr for Marcus Mariota
This offseason, the Raiders added offensive weapons and a viable backup quarterback. Clearly, Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock support Derek Carr as the starter, but their decision to acquire Mariota brings some in-house pressure.
Marcus Mariota has started 61 out of 63 contests in his career and won a playoff game—ironically against the Kansas City Chiefs. He’s the Raiders’ best reserve quarterback since Carr took over the starting job in 2014.
According to ESPN’s Paul Gutierrez, Mariota is the highest-paid expected backup in base salary.
“In fact, ESPN Stats & Info research shows that Mariota’s $7.5 million base salary is the highest for a player in the first year of a new contract who is scheduled to be a backup in 2020,” Gutierrez wrote.
Carr critics would like to see Mariota take the field if the offense sputters with the added talent, though it may take more than a few early bumps in the road to replace the incumbent.
Remember, Carr has three years of experience in Gruden’s offense. He’s built a strong rapport with tight end Darren Waller and developed solid connections with Tyrell Williams and Hunter Renfrow.
In Tennessee, Mariota lost his starting job to Ryan Tannehill last season and battled nagging injuries throughout his career. Most notably, he missed the Titans’ 2018 AFC wild-card matchup because of a neck stinger.
Gruden will give Carr some time to jell with his new teammates after an irregular offseason. Unless the three-time Pro Bowler completely faceplants or goes down with an injury, he should start from Week 1 to 17.
Also note, if Carr has a disappointing campaign, the Raiders can roll with Mariota in the second year of his deal.
For now, Gruden takes a full-season look at Carr with a full deck of offensive weapons.