Raiders backup quarterback Marcus Mariota could be traded to his third team in three years.
Multiple sources told The Athletic that the Raiders, specifically head coach Jon Gruden, remain invested in Derek Carr as their future at quarterback barring a “ridiculous offer.”
The article cites the signal-caller’s strong 2020 performance, his relationship and “familiarity” with coach Gruden, and the low probability of a competitive offer as reasons Carr will likely stay in Las Vegas come September.
“League sources don’t see Las Vegas receiving multiple first-round selections for Carr,” The Athletic writes.
Carr, 29, has spent all seven of his NFL seasons with the organization after he was a second round pick in 2014 by the then-Oakland Raiders. He has two years remaining on the five-year, $125 million contract extension he signed in 2017, and is coming off of one of his best seasons to date.
The three-time Pro Bowler started all 16 games this year and completed 67.3 percent of his passes for a career-high 4,103 yards, 27 passing touchdowns and nine interceptions. He tacked on 140 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns.
This leaves Mariota in an uncertain spot heading into the offseason quarterback shuffle, which is expected to be competitive with numerous vacancies around the league.
“The Raiders’ preference is to move Marcus Mariota and keep Carr,” sources, which included one general manager, said.
Mariota, 27, began his career with the Titans as the No. 2 overall pick from Oregon back in 2015. He spent five seasons in Tennessee, earning one Pro Bowl nomination in 2016, before he was benched midway through the 2019 season for Ryan Tannehill.
The 2014 Heisman Trophy winner joined the Raiders last offseason via a two-year, $17.6 million contract. He appeared in just one game this season in relief of Carr, who left the game with a groin injury, and completed 17 of 28 for 226 yards, one passing touchdown, one interception, and nine rushing attempts for 88 yards and a rushing touchdown in the Raiders’ Week 15 overtime loss to the Chargers.
The article specifically floats the idea of Mariota moving to New England, “with the hope he could become for the Patriots what Ryan Tannehill has been for Mike Vrabel in Tennessee.”
The Patriots are expected to part ways with Cam Newton, whom they signed as a one-year stopgap after Tom Brady left during free agency last year.
Mariota’s contract carries a $10.73 million cap hit in 2021 with no dead cap liability, according to Spotrac, which makes the prospect of the Raiders moving on quite feasible.