Raiders

Las Vegas Raiders Free Agency Review: Quarterback

Last offseason, the Las Vegas Raiders were linked to every quarterback available. Whether it was Tom Brady, Philip Rivers, or Cam Newton, odds are Las Vegas a potential destination for these signal-callers. However, the Silver and Black’s backup quarterback was the topic of discussions in 2021.

After a season in which starting quarterback Derek Carr posted 4,103 yards and a 27:9 TD-to-INT ratio, the Raiders weren’t interested in moving on from him. On the other hand, Marcus Mariota generated interest in the trade market. Teams with rumored interest included the Chicago Bears, the Washington Football Team, and the New England Patriots.

Nevertheless, due to a large escalator in Mariota’s contract, the trade market dried up quickly. Seeing that teams were not biting, Las Vegas gave Mariota an ultimatum — Take a pay cut or get released. After a few days, ‘8’ agreed to a revised deal to stay in Sin City. Looking back, lowering Mariota’s deal from $10.5 million to just $3.5 million was a huge win for the Raiders’ front office. The Raiders also managed to resign third-stringer Nathan Peterman who will never see the field in a perfect world.

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Position Outlook Going Into 2022

Going into 2022, the Raiders have to feel very good about the quarterback room. It’s unlikely they will add a signal-caller in the draft. Thus, it seems like Carr, Mariota, and Nathan Peterman will be on the roster in Week 1. With a solid starter and one of the best backups in the NFL, the Raiders have done good work as it pertains to quarterback.

In what is likely Derek Carr’s last chance to get the team to the playoffs, expect another solid season from “4”. If he builds off of his career year, expect an extension for the franchise quarterback. While he is a hot topic amongst fans of the team, it is clear the front office believes in him.

While Mariota is not quite the passer that Carr is, he is an electrifying runner. An exciting placeholder, the Raiders would be in good hands if the Oregon product is inserted into a game. Scheduled to be a free agent in 2022, he will be looking to prove himself to other teams in the league. He showed in that electrifying Week 15 performance against the Chargers he’s capable of playing at a high level.

You May Also Like: Raiders 2021 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings: Tight Ends

TOP PHOTO: Ethan Miller/Getty Images

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1 thought on “Las Vegas Raiders Free Agency Review: Quarterback”

  1. What do you mean, “in what is likely Derek Carr’s last chance”? Are you implying that if they don’t make the playoffs, they’ll replace him, even though he has never been part of the problem?

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