Raiders: 3 storylines to watch during 2022 mandatory minicamp

With mandatory minicamp kicking off on Tuesday, here are three big storylines for the Las Vegas Raiders this June.

While the Raiders gave Quarterback Derek Carr a new, and massive, contract extension, they also lost both of their backup quarterbacks from the previous two seasons with Marcus Mariota leaving for Atlanta and Nathan Peterman leaving for Chicago. This was always a likely outcome with Mariota seeking a starting opportunity and Peterman no longer having Jon Gruden in his corner.

Raiders: 3 storylines to watch during the 2022 mandatory minicamp

Who backs up Carr?

To add to the 2022 quarterback room, the Raiders signed former 49ers and Browns quarterback Nick Mullens to a $1 million guaranteed contract as well as traded for Jarrett Stidham and signed undrafted free agent Chase Garbers. Mullens has the most experience out of this group and has been a solid starter at points, but it likely doesn’t inspire much confidence.

Stidham comes with McDaniels from New England and is a favorite of McDaniels.The Raiders giving up draft capital for Stidham means he will be on the team regardless of position on the depth chart. Garbers is likely a camp arm.

The Raiders giving Colin Kaepernick a workout means they are still looking for upgrades in their quarterback room. Mullens and Stidham will battle it out for the backup spot in minicamp this week and if the coaching staff likes what they see, they won’t make another addition.

Mullens likely has the leg up with his guaranteed money and experience, but his role is clearly not set. Unlike the previous few seasons with Marcus Mariota, the Raiders do not have a top backup quarterback to fall back on, but it does save some money. In all likelihood, Mullens as the veteran with more experience will show command and poise in practice and show why the Raiders gave him a guaranteed investment.