The Las Vegas Raiders and backup quarterback Marcus Mariota have come to terms on a contract restructure that could benefit both parties.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Mariota is expected to sign a one-year, $3.5 million deal that can reach $8 million with incentives.
Rapoport also noted the deal–whose cap hit was originally $10 million million in 2021–makes Mariota more tradable should the Raiders choose that route.
The original paycut offer $3M. Marcus Mariota negotiated up, giving him a chance for some real upside. And, should be noted, the contract is also tradable if the opportunity arises. But for now, a resolution. https://t.co/qOx06yDvg5
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 23, 2021
A trade is most certainly an option.
Rapoport previously reported Marcus Mariota was garnering some interest from teams around the league, though said teams were concerned about incentives taking his total value to over $20 million:
“The issue is based on incentives. If he is the starter and ends up playing the entire season, he can make an additional $12 million, so more than $20 million for Marcus Mariota,” Rapoport said last month about the Raiders QB, via Kevin Patra of NFL.com. “Teams, as of right now, don't seem to think that's something that would be worth it, especially when you consider they'd also give up a draft pick to trade for him. That trade market has now dried up significantly.”
But that cap hit has since been lessened, making the former Oregon star an intriguing option for teams sill on the quarterback carousel.
Marcus Mariota displayed some of the talent the Raiders initially invested in when he took over for Derek Carr in a Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. He threw for 226 yards and a touchdown while also rushing nine times for 88 yards and a score.
The 27-year-old can make plays with his arm and his legs. It remains to be seen how teams will react to this new contract, or if the Raiders are even interested in trading him. But the restructure could make Mariota an asset in the quarterback market.
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