Raiders: Marcus Mariota trade packages for the Washington Football Team

Raiders and Washington Football Team Trade No. 2

This deal seems more likely, as the Raiders shouldn’t have an issue prying a fourth-round pick from Washington.

In the NFL, the quarterback position has the greatest value. The starting signal-caller often decides whether a team has a legitimate shot at the playoffs or not. Just look at Washington’s road to the postseason in 2020.

Before Alex Smith took over the lead position, the Football Team had a 2-6 record. He lost his first start against the Detroit Lions in Week 10, but won the following four contests and led the club to a playoff-berth-clinching victory in Week 17.

Without a commitment from Smith, Washington would likely welcome Mariota, who can beat out Taylor Heinicke for the starting spot.

While a fourth-round pick doesn’t seem like much of a return, keep in mind general manager Mike Mayock has hit on Day 3 draft acquisitions, such as defensive end Maxx Crosby and wide receiver Hunter Renfrow. As a rookie, even Foster Moreau had a solid year, hauling in five touchdown passes.

Furthermore, the Raiders would gain significant cap relief, shedding Mariota’s $11.35 million contract.

Yes, a backup quarterback has value in the event a starter goes down with an injury. We saw that this past season when Derek Carr exited early with a strained groin in Week 15. With that said, the Raiders retained Nathan Peterman, who’s a lesser talent compared to Mariota, but Gruden clearly wants to develop him. Peterman has been with the team since 2018.

The Raiders would have a cheaper primary backup quarterback, more financial flexibility to pursue free agents, and an additional early Day 3 pick to acquire help on defense.