Marcus Mariota Has Contract Issues That May Find Him Looking For A New Team
Former Oregon Football Quarterback Marcus Mariota has certainly had his ups and downs so far in the National Football League. After showing off his ability in one game for the Las Vegas Raiders this past season, his contract may be in the way for 2021.
Mariota signed a contract with the Las Vegas Raiders paying him a little more than $10 million this season. The issue moving forward and any potential trade is the contract is loaded with incentive options that could land him an additional $12 million depending on the situation. While Las Vegas has tried to make trade offers for the former Oregon Duck, many have turned away at the contract they would have to inherit.
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The NFL Salary Cap is a very sacred area where teams need to be smart, and Las Vegas as well as the rest of the league are very aware of this. With Derek Carr set as the starter for the Raiders, cutting Mariota may be the best option. They would save more than his annual salary, a little over $11 million in space if they made the move. Of course, Mariota would likely not have a problem finding a new team and has been rumored to be linked with several.
The top team mentioned who could use the services of Marcus Mariota, the New England Patriots, who struggled with Cam Newton last season. Newton signed a one-year deal that expires next month and the Patriots could make a move for Mariota. Aside from Newton, New England has two signal callers on the roster including Jarrett Stidham and Jake Dolega.
One interesting report is that he could wind up with the Philadelphia Eagles. The new coaching staff in Philly. Head Coach Nick Sirianni is familiar with Marcus Mariota when both faced off twice a year when Mariota was with Tennessee. Sirianni was on the Indianapolis Colts staff. Sirianni also scouted Mariota prior to the 2015 NFL Draft when he was Quarterbacks Coach with the Colts. The move for a new and young coaching staff in Philadelphia would certainly add some intrigue and provide some competition for Jalen Hurts with Carson Wentz traded.
Pro Football Mania also throws the Chicago Bears and Denver Broncos in the mix. Denver is in need of a Quarterback. I remember sitting in the press box at Autzen Stadium in a game vs Stanford where Mariota was playing. John Elway was sitting two rows behind me and at the time was likely keeping a watchful eye on the former Oregon QB. Could they be in the mix?
I expect that Las Vegas will part ways with Mariota in the weeks ahead and he will have a decision to make. He is certainly in need of a fresh start somewhere with a team that can keep him protected and where he can stay healthy and find success.