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If you’re the Las Vegas Raiders, you might wonder if trading for Marcus Mariota is a good idea. Not too long ago, in Atlanta, he decided to quit on the Falcons, handing over the reins to Desmond Ridder during the last part of the 2022 NFL season. This happened after a tough game against Carolina where he struggled.
While Mariota did well filling in for Washington Commanders’ rookie Jayden Daniels, should you really bring back someone known for quitting? Aidan O’Connell’s thumb might be out of commission, but I’d say, “You don’t want Mariota back on your team, dude.” Stick with Gardner Minshew II and prepare for the NFL Draft.
Mariota was once Derek Carr’s backup after his time as the Tennessee Titans’ main quarterback didn’t pan out. He didn’t play much for the Raiders, though. Watching him start for the 2022 Falcons reminded me of Joey Harrington’s time with the 2007 Falcons under Bobby Petrino.
Las Vegas might be in a tight spot, but it’s unlikely that the Commanders will make Mariota available.
The main reason Washington won’t trade Mariota is that Jayden Daniels could get hurt again due to his playing style. They’ve got to keep Mariota around as a backup plan and mentor. They’re both Heisman Trophy fraternity brothers, after all.
Look, if you’re the Raiders, focus on players who truly want to be there. Minshew won’t abandon ship. Even if they lose every remaining game and end up with the top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, that’s better than bringing in someone who might not be committed. Teams might tank, but players and coaches shouldn’t. Minshew’s not a quitter.
With a real need for a franchise quarterback, Las Vegas should aim to draft one. This isn’t the strongest quarterback class, but Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders looks promising. LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier is improving, and Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel, despite flaws, knows how to win big games.
Reaching into one’s past to solve a current problem is rarely a good idea, especially with the NFL.
