There has been no shortage of speculation regarding the Las Vegas Raiders’ plans under center heading into the offseason.
Most of the talk has been centered around quarterback Derek Carr following another underwhelming finish at 8-8. After all, the prospect of pulling off a blockbuster trade for the likes of Deshaun Watson or Carson Wentz has been all too difficult to ignore.
Of course, Carr is not the only quarterback to turn heads this season. It appears quarterback Marcus Mariota’s brief showing in 2020 was more than enough to generate some interest.
According to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, the Raiders have reportedly received some calls regarding Mariota:
“Marcus Mariota is getting some trade interest, as well,” Rapoport said Tuesday on NFL NOW. “There’s legitimate and real interest in Mariota.”
Mariota entered the league as the No. 2 pick in the 2012 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans. Once his stint as the face of the franchise came to an end last offseason, the Raiders signed him to a two-year deal to serve as Carr’s backup.
Mariota only appeared in one game for Las Vegas in the 2020 campaign but managed to take full advantage with an impressive showing in place of the injured Carr. He finished the game completing 17-of-28 passes for 226 yards and a touchdown while tacking on nine carries for 88 yards and another score during the 30-27 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 15.
Among the notable teams in the market for a quarterback include the Indianapolis Colts after the retirement of quarterback Philip Rivers. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears and Washington football Team have also been pegged as potential landing spots this offseason.
Should Mariota ultimately find himself with a new team, he will be looking to get his career back on track much like quarterback Ryan Tannehill did when he arrived in Tennessee.
