Should Raiders bring back Marcus Mariota or pursue a cheaper option?
Should the Las Vegas Raiders figure out a way to bring back quarterback Marcus Mariota, or is it time to move on for a cheaper option?
The quarterback situation with the Raiders has been filled with much speculation, rumors, and hearsay. Of course, we’re referring to Derek Carr. There have been countless trade scenarios as well as reports predicting the projected cost of extending Carr. All in all, nothing official yet. This also begs the question of what to do with Mariota.
The Raiders’ backup signal-caller saw a larger role last season, being used in what came to be known as the “Mariota Package.” He often came in during short-yardage situations, especially in the red zone. More often than not, the Raiders were trying to take advantage of Mariota’s legs, which have always been one of his strong suits.
However, the Raiders’ play-calling was often predictable under Greg Olson, and Mariota’s usage was no exception. What if new head coach Josh McDaniels could find a more creative or effective way to use him? Or, what if McDaniels and new general manager Dave Ziegler want an insurance policy in their first year at the helm?
Would Marcus Mariota’s potential cost be worth it for the Raiders?
The problem with a potential return for Mariota is the inherent cost. Would paying a premium rate for a backup make sense for a team that has several holes? The biggest question as far as addressing those weaknesses is whether the Silver and Black will rely on the draft or whether they will cough up some serious money for a few big-name free agents.
According to Pro Football Focus, Mariota could sign a one-year contract worth $8 million guaranteed. That’s a lot for a player that’ll only play occasionally. You would then assume that maybe the Raiders would save money by drafting a quarterback in the mid-to-late rounds. Unfortunately, the quarterback class is underwhelming, and it’s likely none of those rookies would be able to lead the team if Carr were to go down with an injury.
That’s where Mariota could potentially play a major role, literally an insurance policy. Fans have seen glimpses of Mariota’s potential brilliance whenever he’s had a chance, not just a predictable QB trap play.
It might also come down to what Mariota believes he can do in the NFL. Does he stay and potentially get a smaller deal to stay with the Raiders, or does he pursue a chance to compete for a starting job elsewhere? At one point, Mariota was the second overall pick, so there’s that. Whoever signs Mariota to be their starter will need to emphasize an offense that relies heavily on play-action and will use his running abilities despite being injury prone.