Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Marcus Mariota could be a potential trade target for any number of teams looking to make a change under center.

However, there are contractual concerns.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network notes Mariota's contract carries incentives that can bring his 2021 cap hit to over $20 million. Rapoport said teams do not feel it would be worth it to acquire Mariota at that value, adding his trade market has “dried up significantly.”

The former No. 2 overall pick came in for the injured Derek Carr in Week 15 against the Los Angeles Chargers. Mariota flashed his dual skill set, completing 17-of-28 passes for 226 yards while also rushing eight times for 88 yards. He nearly led the Raiders to victory, but they ultimately came up short in overtime.

That showing seemed to improve his trade prospects. But the incentivized contract is becoming an issue. Now, it must be asked what the franchise will do with Mariota.

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Las Vegas has apparently made it clear Derek Carr is not going anywhere. This essentially makes Mariota nothing but a glorified backup on this roster, and his $11.4 million cap hit starts to look rather large.

The Raiders would likely love to get something out of Mariota, especially given reported interest. Stockpiling draft capital never hurts, and the market for quarterbacks has arguably never been better. But releasing Mariota might be the best option.

Las Vegas is toward the bottom of the NFL in terms of cap space. Mariota's contract does not carry any dead money, meaning the Raiders can save all of that $11.4 million by cutting him.

That might end up being the only option. Mariota might not even be displeased. If teams are interested in trading for him, they could look to sign him in free agency.