Las Vegas Raiders can take advantage of active QB market

Could the Las Vegas Raiders move Marcus Mariota?

By trading for Mariota, New England would have a starting-caliber signal-caller who’s set to make $11.35 million in 2021. The Raiders are currently $10.69 million over the base salary cap threshold and could use some cap relief and draft capital as they try to fill holes at defensive tackle, safety, and on the edge during free agency.

On an active quarterback market, the Raiders could ask for a fourth-round pick and receive it. Mariota has 63 starts on his resume, which includes two in the playoffs. In addition to 77 touchdown passes to 45 interceptions with a 63 percent completion rate, he’s a mobile signal-caller, logging 1,487 rushing yards and 12 scores through six seasons.

Teams don’t want stiff pocket passers anymore. Mariota looked the complete opposite while in action against the Chargers. He showed enough to generate outside interest. With his modest contract relative to starters in the league, the Patriots, Colts, or Washington may inquire about him for an early Day 3 pick.

Before you quickly dismiss the acquisition of a fourth-rounder, remember general manager Mike Mayock made a few solid selections on Day 3 of the 2019 draft with defensive end Maxx Crosby, tight end Foster Moreau and wide receiver Hunter Renfrow.

No, those players haven’t become stars, but they’ve all played well when on the field. Imagine if the Raiders can find another decent starter or rotational player on the defensive side of the ball with an extra pick.

No head coach likes Peterman more than Gruden right now. Unless the Raiders select a developmental quarterback in the draft, the 26-year-old signal-caller would serve as the primary backup if the team trades Mariota. At a time when quarterbacks are on the move, the Raiders can flip a backup into a solid contributor for the defense while gaining some financial flexibility in an offseason with an uncertain cap situation.