Report: Former Raiders quarterback strikes a deal with commanders

Marcus Mariota, the former quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders, has moved into a new house. Following a season in Philadelphia, the seasoned quarterback plans to remain in the NFC East.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reported on March 12 that Mariota is inking a $6 million, one-year contract with the Washington Commanders.

From being the second overall choice in the 2015 NFL Draft, Mariota has experienced a significant decline. This is his fifth NFL team that he is joining. With the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Commanders are probably going to select a quarterback. Being an experienced player, Mariota may be able to guide the rookie quarterback, whoever he ends up being.

It is unlikely, though, that the Commanders will want to have him start. In 2022, Mariota got an opportunity to start for the Atlanta Falcons, but it didn’t work out. After starting 13 games, he finished 5-8 and was benched. Though he was not very efficient, he did throw 15 touchdowns to just 9 interceptions.

Mariota has potential as a backup even though his days as a starter are probably finished. If he had to come in and play, his ability to make plays with his legs at least partially endangers him. Mariota is expected to be behind Sam Howell and the rookie that Washington selects in the draft in the depth chart.

Gardner Minshew’s signing grade is received by the Las Vegas Raiders.
Like the Commanders, the Raiders are currently without a quarterback and may select one in the April draft. Gardner Minshew, though, was a good interim alternative that the team did sign. Although Minshew’s $25 million price tag seems excessive for a backup, he will serve as a safety net should Las Vegas be unable to choose the quarterback they desire in the draft.

For the signing, Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus graded the Raiders a “B.”

In a commentary published on March 12, Spielberger stated, “The Raiders get a respectable bridge starter in the fold but need to actually add the other end of the bridge, with the No. 13 pick currently burning a hole in their pocket.” It looks like they’ll be competing with the Minnesota Vikings, who are ranked No. 11 overall, and the Denver Broncos, who are ranked No. 12, to move up for a quarterback. Despite having a limited ceiling, Minshew managed to save the Colts’ season and earned this contract.

Minshew is only so good for the Raiders, but he’s still good enough to keep things interesting. The Indianapolis Colts were on the verge of making the playoffs the previous season when he started and went 7-6.

Has Vegas completed adding quarterbacks before the draft?
The Raiders’ roster will consist of Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell, while Jimmy Garoppolo is expected to be cut soon. It is still anticipated that the team will aim for that spot in the draft. In any case, they’ll almost definitely have three quarterbacks on the roster going into the summer.

The team may decide to bring in another veteran. While Justin Fields is still available for trade, the cost to acquire him ought to be dropping daily. Up until the draft, the Raiders will probably turn their attention elsewhere. There’s no reason to add too many experienced quarterbacks at this time when there will be alternatives left over after the draft.

Since 2019, Austin Boyd has covered the Los Angeles Lakers and Las Vegas Raiders for Heavy.com. Originally from Los Angeles and currently residing in Las Vegas, he has been featured on Heavy with interviews with NFL players Joe Montana and Darren Waller as well as an exclusive behind-the-scenes peek at “The Shop.” Additional details regarding Austin Boyd