Report: Raiders ‘pushing to close out a deal’ with Marcus Mariota

The Las Vegas Raiders and soon-to-be former Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota are reportedly close to agreeing to a deal.

The news comes from NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.

The #Raiders are pushing to close out a deal with QB Marcus Mariota, sources tell me and @RapSheet. Mike Mayock's No. 1-ranked QB in his @nflnetwork coverage leading up to the 2015 Draft could soon be on his roster.

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 17, 2020

Mariota was the Titans’ No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft and spent five seasons with the team. He entered the 2019 season as the Titans’ starter, but was unseated by Ryan Tannehill after six games.

When looking for a new team, Mariota was always going to try and land with one that gives him a chance to start in 2020, and the Raiders qualify as one of those teams.

Despite having a starter in place in Derek Carr, there is a thought that he is vulnerable and could be replaced should he struggle next season.

The #Raiders have had eyes on Marcus Mariota, the former #Titans first-round pick, for some time. Sounds like he has a landing spot. https://t.co/jgkwCHYddm

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 17, 2020

This move also makes sense for Mariota geographically. Not only is the Oregon product closer to his alma mater should he go to Vegas, but he’s also closer to his home state of Hawaii.