Unfortunately, there aren’t many quarterbacks available on the free agency market, and both highly-regarded college quarterbacks could be gone by the time the Raiders choose at number six.
However, considering the coaching staff the team has assembled, there is one experienced quarterback who may be available and makes a lot of sense.
Marcus Mariota might be signed by the Las Vegas Raiders as a backup. QB
Mariota’s stint with the Raiders is remembered by fans as a gadget man who occasionally replaced Derek Carr on the goal line and in short-yardage situations. Mariota performed that role for the Raiders from 2020 to 2021. The next season, he started for the Falcons and then returned to a limited role with the Commanders and Eagles.
Even though Mariota was Jayden Daniels’ backup quarterback this past season, he still showed up and performed admirably in the few snaps he did get. Mariota is obviously a valuable asset to a rookie quarterback, even though he might not have the skills necessary to be a starter anymore.
Given that Las Vegas recently appointed Chip Kelly, Mariota’s college coach, as the team’s new offensive coordinator, a reunion with the Raiders makes sense. In order to add interest for the former Oregon Duck, the Raiders rehired Greg Olson, his former offensive coordinator, to instruct the quarterbacks.
This season, it is nearly a given that Las Vegas will select a quarterback, either in the first round or later in the process. In addition to helping with the conversation in the quarterback’s room and mentoring this youngster in Kelly’s scheme, Mariota could still be productive on the field in whatever role that is requested of him.
Mariota’s signing boosts the floor for this club, but it may not raise the ceiling. Given the team’s budget space and the presumption that a rookie quarterback will also be on the roster, Spotrac estimates his market worth to be roughly $4.2 million, which is negligible.
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