10 NFL backup quarterbacks who can steal starting jobs in 2020

NASHVILLE, TN - AUGUST 17: Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels talks with Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer #2 of the New England Patriots during a week two preseason game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on August 17, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Patriots defeated the Titans 22-17. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

5 of 10

DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 13: Marcus Mariota #8 of the Tennessee Titans sets to pass against the Denver Broncos in the second quarter of a game at Empower Field at Mile High on October 13, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

player. 28. QB. Pick Analysis. Las Vegas Raiders. Marcus Mariota. 6. Scouting Report

Some NFL teams stumble their way into NFL controversies through injury or other freak occurrences. Other franchises choose to invite the controversies onto themselves by the way they build their rosters.

The Raiders clearly fall into the latter category. Jon Gruden and his coaching staff are not convinced that Derek Carr is a quality NFL starter. That’s why they paid relatively big money to bring in Mariota this offseason.

This is a quarterback change that could conceivably occur before Week 1 actually arrives. The lack of a traditional preseason makes that a more difficult challenge for Mariota to maneuver, but he’s got the talent to beat out Carr in an open competition.

Mariota isn’t going to solve the Raiders’ downfield passing issues, but his increased mobility can give Gruden’s attack an extra dimension. Leaving Tennessee could work out very well for the former Oregon standout. Don’t be surprised if he supplants Carr early in the 2020 regular-season.

Home/NFL