Raiders: Does Alex Smith make sense as a backup for Derek Carr?

As is the case every offseason when it comes to this Las Vegas Raiders franchise, all of the noise surrounding the team is centering around Derek Carr. Whether it is the team getting Deshaun Watson, Russell Wilson, or even supplanting him with his backup, Marcus Mariota, Carr seems to be in the crosshairs every time a quarterback becomes available.

Since Jon Gruden has taken over as head coach, the narrative has been that he and Carr are not a good fit, but here we are, entering Year 4 of their relationship, and it seems to be gaining steam. In fact, Carr was told to be “not available” when the Indianapolis Colts reached out for him, so my guess is that No. 4 will be the starter again in 2021.

Backing him up, that is another story, as I do not see the team going into the 2021 campaign with only Nathan Peterman as the No. 2. Sure, Mariota is still on the roster, but with his cap price, he is either going to be traded or released, which means the team could be in the market for a reliable, but cheap backup.

Raiders should avoid Alex Smith this offseason

One player who will be available is Alex Smith, the 2020 AP Comeback Player of the Year, and a former No. 1 overall pick. Interestingly enough, the Washington Football Team has decided to move on from him, which is strange considering their current quarterback situation, but understandable considering his age, and his diminished skill set.

For the Raiders, who always seem to be in the conversation whenever a quarterback becomes available, they should avoid Smith as the backup to Carr in 2021, even though he is a capable player, and would be excellent for the quarterback room. Las Vegas has so many holes on their roster to spend free agency money on, and Smith could come with too high a price tag.

If Mariota stays, he will be the No. 2, but he will also cost the Raiders more money than they can afford to play nearly zero real snaps in a regular-season game. There are options out there to back up Carr if Mariota is given his walking papers, or is traded, but at his age, and his history, Smith is not the answer as QB2 in Vegas.