ESPN pens the Las Vegas Raiders could have interest in former Heisman winner quarterback Marcus Mariota. According to Adam Schefter, he expects Mariota to intrigue a lot of teams as a viable backup for a new roster. This might happen in Las Vegas, where he could return to the team after spending the last 2024 campaign with the Washington Commanders. Mariota probably won’t earn a starting job with the Raiders if they sign him, but he could serve as a reliable backup where he may have that chance to make it happen soon.
Meanwhile, the Raiders are putting the pieces of the puzzle correctly when it comes to their NFL personnel after hiring head coach Pete Carroll to take over the helm of the organization. However, there have been several rumors floating they could sign veteran Russell Wilson to become their starting quarterback, which makes sense considering the history he and Carroll had in Seattle years ago. If that happens, the team may sign Mariota to a potential two-year deal and extend him to become their next starter if he impresses after Wilson decides to retire.
Originally selected in the 2015 NFL Draft, the former Oregon Duck came into the league as a reliable signal-caller for the Titans before veteran Ryan Tannehill took his job. However, after a rough past two seasons with the Falcons and Eagles, Mariota finally found some life serving as the starter in their week 18 finale against the Dallas Cowboys and put on a show. It’ll be interesting to see how everything will play out when it comes to his free-agent market.
ESPN Connects Raiders To Former First-Round Pick Marcus Mariota – Chargers, Dolphins Could Intervene?
Backing up Justin Herbert
The Los Angeles Chargers are in a good place despite losing in the wild card of the postseason after a promising start. However, head coach Jim Harbaugh admits he did quarterback Justin Herbert a disservice in an attempt to bring a supporting cast that could work right for him. It rings true since Herbert barely had little to no receivers to throw to but the quarterback was able to make it work and still lead the team to at least a playoff contention. Marcus Mariota probably won’t take Herbert’s job at all but he’s capable of starting duties in case he goes down with an injury.
Meanwhile, Taylor Heinicke will hit the free-agent market, and there hasn’t been any word if the Chargers will sign him back. However, Mariota is the better backup in this situation, considering the experience. This is something the team lacks, and most likely, he could support Herbert further in the playoffs like he did with rookie Jayden Daniels until it’s time for Mariota to leave for another start to hopefully win a full-time job as the No. 1 quarterback.
New Miami Duo?
Many reports suggest the Dolphins are searching for a capable backup to assist Tua Tagovailoa. After two scary concussion injuries, Miami should be no stranger in preparing for life after him. Tagovailoa might remain confident he can keep playing but one more blow to the head could cost his career and that is something the Dolphins can’t afford. No one in free agency available as a quarterback is more than reliable like Mariota.
He might be aging, but he continues to get better as much as a team gets him the reps. Mariota might not deliver a Super Bowl to the Dolphins but it’s a temporary plan until head coach Mike McDaniel can figure out who their signal-caller will be if Tagovailoa isn’t their long-term answer.
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