The Las Vegas Raiders signed Marcus Mariota this offseason to give them a reliable backup to Derek Carr. However, that isn't keeping Jon Gruden from being excited to see Mariota go to work at the beginning of training camp.

After practice on Friday, Gruden called Mariota a “dazzling playmaker,” per The Athletic's Vic Tafur.

As the Raiders make the trek to Las Vegas in 2020, Carr is entering his seventh season with the franchise. Despite Carr's success earlier in his career, he hasn't been able to show much consistency since Gruden arrived in 2018.

Nevertheless, the Raiders chose to stick with Carr this offseason, avoiding the available starters in free agency and in the 2020 NFL Draft. While Mariota wasn't considered a marquee free-agent option, he will immediately add more pressure behind Carr this season.

The former No. 2 pick in the 2015 NFL Draft spent the first five years of his career with the Tennessee Titans. Mariota would start for the Titans in his first four seasons, compiling a 27-28 record in that span. Then, just last season, after beginning the season as the starter, Mariota would be benched in favor of veteran Ryan Tannehill.

Following the decision to bench Mariota, Tennessee proceeded to evolve into a playoff contender, advancing to the AFC Championship Game. What makes Mariota an interesting addition for the Raiders is his ability to create with his legs.

Despite Carr having the starting job right now, Mariota could see an immediate role in the offense in 2020. And if you're Carr, who's starting job isn't completely secure, seeing Gruden rave about Mariota should motivate him to perform at his best this season.