It had been deemed a foregone conclusion that the Las Vegas Raiders would be parting ways with quarterback Marcus Mariota this offseason.
After all, the Raiders are currently in the midst of clearing up some much-needed cap space in order to make a potential splash in free agency. Although they may have fielded interest in both Mariota and Derek Carr this offseason, general manager Mike Mayock’s recent endorsement of the latter indicates that he will stay put.
Mayock’s comments only help solidify the notion that Las Vegas is comfortable enough to deal Mariota in order to help fill the other voids on their roster. However, it appears that may not be the case.
According to Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the Raiders could look to restructure Mariota’s deal in order to keep him around:
Just an FYI: Marcus Mariota remains a restructure possibility for @Raiders.
— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) March 14, 2021
Mariota is set to make $10.7 million in the 2021 NFL season with $11.35 million. If the Raiders can find a way to reduce this number for next year, they would have more money to spend this offseason along with the quality depth under center they enjoyed in 2020.
Las Vegas and the rest of the league got a glimpse of what Mariota could do after stepping in for an injured Carr in Week 15 versus the Los Angeles Chargers. He managed to take full advantage by throwing for 226 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 88 yards and another touchdown.
Mariota’s performance was expected to garner some serious interest for the Raiders to bargain with this offseason, but it seems there has not been any deal intriguing enough to force their hand. The Washington Football Team and Chicago Bears are now among the few left on the market looking for a starting-caliber quarterback.
While a restructure could be ideal, it remains to be seen if Mariota’s camp is looking to make it happen.
