5 best moves of NFL free agency so far
5. Las Vegas Raiders sign Marcus Mariota
Nick Kwiatkoski is an underrated playmaker at the linebacker position and a strong signing for the Las Vegas Raiders, but Marcus Mariota takes the cake as their most impactful signing on the first day of NFL free agency’s legal tampering period in 2020.
Mariota has dealt with various regime changes, injuries, and frustrating errors on the field during his time in the NFL, but even his critics cannot deny his leadership and talent.
The former Oregon Duck entered the league with much fanfare as the No. 2 overall pick, and he had the Titans looking like a formidable team at one point when they made it into the playoffs. Now, the Titans look better with the resurgent Ryan Tannehill, who received a massive payday, at quarterback. But Mariota could have a path similar to Tannehill now that he’s in Las Vegas.
Recall that Tannehill was a former first-round pick who flashed with the Miami Dolphins but flamed out after regime changes and inconsistent play. Then, he shined in Tennessee, led them to the playoffs, and made some coin.
Derek Carr has been in the same boat as Mariota and Tannehill as a talented quarterback who has issues with consistency. The Raiders have done their best to stand by him, but his play has fallen off badly in recent years.
Mariota has a legitimate chance at knocking off Carr, and a motivated Mariota could help restore the Raiders to their former glory. While that may be a reach, if Mariota can push Carr to returning to his best, then the team still wins anyway.
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It’s a great “gamble” for the Raiders, because it doesn’t matter who steps up to the plate. Betting on two talented-but-inconsistent quarterbacks is much better than betting on one, especially if the competition makes both improve.