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Marcus Mariota: Raiders are Derek Carr's team
Marcus Mariota (8) and Derek Carr (4) are now teammates with the Raiders. Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

Marcus Mariota: Raiders are Derek Carr's team

Marcus Mariota was among the big free-agent quarterbacks this offseason, but he wasn't necessarily looking for a starting position.

The 26-year-old said he had two priorities heading into the free-agent market: One was to find stability, and the second was to find a team that would bring out the best in him, according to KHON2.

The "cherry on top," Mariota said, was the fact he would be much closer to his native Hawaii playing for the Raiders in Las Vegas.

While he could receive up to $37.5 million over two years with his incentives, Mariota fully believes he will be Derek Carrs' backup in Las Vegas, and he's fine with that.

“First and foremost this is Derek’s team, and I understand that. I understand that going in," Mariota said, according to KHON. "For me my priorities going into free agency was to be a part of a team that I felt could bring out the best in me and whatever happens, whatever comes to that, I’m ready for, but I do know that to play starting quarterback in the NFL, to be at that spot is not any easy job to do, and I think when it comes down to it, a strong, stable, supportive quarterback room makes that job a whole lot easier. That’s what we have to do. I’m going to do my best to support Derek in every possible way that I can and along with that I’m just going to try to become the best player that I can be and see where that takes me.”

Carr is slightly more proven than Mariota with six seasons under his belt. However, Mariota has plenty of experience himself. He has a 62.9 completion percentage, 13,207 yards and 76 passing touchdowns in five seasons, along with one playoff victory as a starter — something Carr doesn't have.

If Carr can't compete for whatever reason, Mariota will be ready to step in.

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