Patriots Rumored Trade Target Could Be a Free Agent Soon

The New England Patriots were linked with several players, and they may soon go after one trade target.

Will they try to get Marcus Mariota from the Las Vegas Raiders?

Ian Rapoport from NFL.com reported that the Raiders might release Mariota rather than trade him. Wonder why? His current contract’s max value is a little off-putting.

Patriots to get their trade target with ease

If the team releases Mariota, he is free to sign with whatever team he wants. In this way the team wouldn’t have to give up a draft pick to get him.

Mariota’s contract has a cap hit of $11.4 million for the 2020 NFL season. He may earn more than $20 million in incentives.

Here’s what Rapoport said of Mariota:

“This is an interesting one, because a couple days ago, it really seemed like Marcus Mariota was going to be on the move. I know teams were interested and were calling the Las Vegas Raiders about potentially acquiring Marcus Mariota, and things did get down the line a little bit. There is significant interest in teams trying to get Marcus Mariota to come in and play quarterback for them. But there is an issue. Take a look at his contract. He’s due a little more than $10 million this year. If he’s going to be a bridge starter, which would be the role he’d come in and play, that’s not bad.

“That’s actually not the issue. The issue is, based on incentives, if he is the starter and ends up playing the entire season, he could make an additional $12 million. So more than $20 million for Marcus Mariota. Teams, as of right now, don’t seem to think that’s something that would be worth it, especially when you consider they’d also give up a draft pick to trade for him. That trade market has now dried up significantly, leading to the question: Could Mariota be released and then end up picking his own team?”

Mariota may be interested in signing with a team packed with reliable receivers. He needs an instant boost in his career. New England doesn’t really have strong receiving group.