QB MARIOTA JOINS THE RAIDERS
If you thought Marcus Mariota was going to throw down the gauntlet, then you know nothing about Marcus Mariota.
Mariota is not a guy who makes waves, as evidenced by the way he graciously supported Ryan Tannehill with the Tennesee Titans after being deposed as the starting quarterback.
So it came as no surprise Tuesday that in an interview with KHON2 television in his native Hawaii, the newest Raiders quarterback made it clear he understood the rank of Derek Carr in the pecking order at his position.
“First and foremost, this is Derek’s team, and I understand that,” Mariota said. “I understand that going in. My priority was to be part of a team I felt could bring out the best in me. Whatever happens, whatever comes of that, I’m ready for.”
Mariota, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 draft and a Heisman Trophy winner at Oregon, signed a contract which reportedly will guarantee him $7.5 million in 2020 and contains provisions for incentives and esclators based on playing time which would pay him as a starter in a two-year deal.
The Titans were 2-4 before Tannehill replaced Maroita. Tennessee won seven of 10 games, reached the AFC championship game, and in the waning moments of a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, cameras and NFL Films microphones caught an exchange between the two.
“I’m excited for you,” Mariota said while hugging Tannehill. “This is the start of something great brother. I’m so excited for you.”
Tannehill signed a four-year, $118 million extension with Tennessee just before free agency began.
Mariota, meanwhile, is starting over after going 29-32 as a starter, completing 62.8 percent of his passes for 13,207 yards, 76 touchdowns and 44 interceptions in 63 games.
“I do know to play starting quarteback in the NFL, to be in that spot is not an easy thing to do,” Mariota told Rob DeMello of KHON2. “When it comes down to it, a strong, stable quarteback room makes that job a whole lot easier and that’s what we have to do. I’m going to do my best to support Derek in every way I possibly can, try and be the best player I can can be and see where that takes me.”
Mariota outlined his priorities in choosing a new team, and determined a team with just two winning seasons over the past 17 years that pulled up stakes and moved to Las Vegas was the logical choice because of the presence of coach Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock.
“There are two priorities that I had while I was going through the free agent process,” Mariota said. “No. 1 was to find stability. I wanted to be part of an organization that had a stable head coach, to have stability in the front office. Secondly, I wanted to be part of a coaching staff that could bring out the best of me, that could embrace my talents and just put my best foot forward.”
Mariota has 1,399 yards rushing, averages 5.8 yards per attempt and has 11 touchdowns. Carr has played one more season but has 495 yards, a 2.8 average and three scores. Gruden will be able to expand his call sheet with Mariota, utlizing plays that fit his skill set as a runner and passer.