The Las Vegas Raiders have a starting quarterback in Derek Carr. Likewise, backup Marcus Mariota can take over without embarrassing himself if he sees playing time in 2020.
Owner Mark Davis said the organization has his blessings if they opted to sign quarterback Colin Kaepernick. However, it’s unlikely he would be an upgrade over any quarterbacks currently on the roster.
There’s No Current Need for Kaepernick
Opinions are divided when it comes to Carr. He had an MVP-like season back in 2016, but that now seems like a distant memory. His numbers are solid if spectacular. Last season, the veteran quarterback threw for 4,054 yards, 21 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. 4,000-yard seasons don’t carry the same weight they did 30 years ago and his 21 touchdowns ranked 19th in the league per Pro Football Reference. Although those aren’t flashy numbers, half the league wouldn’t hesitate to trade for Carr if given the choice. At worst, he’s an average starter.
Meanwhile, Mariota has started 61 games and has thrown for 76 touchdowns along with 44 interceptions in his five-year career. He fizzled out in Tennessee as the main guy but could have a good career second act. After all, there’s a reason he was the second overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. The veteran signal-caller could start a decent amount of games and the decrease in production for the Raiders would not be steep. He is arguably the best backup Las Vegas has had in a long time.
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Raiders Are Set at Quarterback
Even though Mariota has escalator in his contract that would pay him well if he were to see significant playing time, Carr is the unquestionable starter. There is no controversy nor there will be a training camp battle to determine their roles. Looking back, the Raiders haven’t had that kind of talent in the quarterback room for what it seems like the longest time. Previously, names such as Connor Cook, Matt Flynn and Matt Schaub and Mike Glennon littered the team. Those days are gone.
While Carr and Mariota may not be the most appealing names when it comes to top echelon quarterbacks, the duo sure gives the team one less thing to worry about. That couldn’t be said about the Raiders in previous years.
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Top Photo: Mark Zaleski/Associated Press