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Battle for Raiders QB2 behind Derek Carr is taking shape

By Mario O. Tovar

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 09: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders gestures behind guard Alex Leatherwood #70 at the line of scrimmage during their game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium on January 9, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 35-32 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 09: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders gestures behind guard Alex Leatherwood #70 at the line of scrimmage during their game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium on January 9, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 35-32 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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Jan 9, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) lines up at wide receiver during the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

The Las Vegas Raiders will have a training camp battle on their hands to determine who will back up Derek Carr in 2022.

There was a new brain trust that took the reins this offseason for the Silver and Black. This new duo, led by new general manager Dave Ziegler and head coach Josh McDaniels, immediately made their presence known by bringing in new coordinators, acquiring several new key players, and also moving on from other contributors. Among those that are no longer around is Derek Carr’s backup for the last two seasons, Marcus Mariota.

Mariota was simply a luxury that the Raiders didn’t want to continue spending on. In reality, it worked out well for everyone. Las Vegas has moved on from one of their more expensive contracts, while Mariota has a chance to start again with the Atlanta Falcons.

The “flying Hawaiian” had his moments with the Raiders. Who can forget his clutch performance against the Los Angeles Chargers back in 2020 late in the season? The previous coaching staff attempted to make use of Mariota’s talents, but oftentimes the play-calling appeared to be lazy and unimaginative. Whenever No. 8 would see the field, everyone in the stadium, including the opponent, knew what was coming.

The new Raiders coaching staff has decided that they want to make their own impression on the quarterback’s room. Gone are Mariota and Jon Gruden’s favorite, Nathan Peterman. With an all-new group of signal-callers in place, what does the battle for backup currently look like?

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