Report: Washington tried trading for Mariota but talks cooled off
The Washington Football Team tried acquiring Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Marcus Mariota but trade talks cooled off, sources told The Athletic's Ben Standig.
Mariota has been a frequently discussed trade target this offseason. Multiple teams have reportedly called the Raiders to inquire about his availability, but his contract could make a deal tricky.
The Raiders quarterback is due a base salary of $10.6 million in 2021, all of which is non-guaranteed, but this figure could rise greatly due to incentives. Mariota will also earn $625,000 for each game he features significantly, maxing out at $7.5 million, according to Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap. The former first-round pick also has escalators in his deal for wins and playoff appearances.
Mariota's contract value will increase by nearly $30 million if he reaches all his incentives, per Over The Cap. The Raiders could choose to release the signal-caller, freeing up all of his cap hit, if they cannot find a trade partner.
Washington has been in the market for an upgrade under center. General manager Martin Mayhew admitted earlier this offseason there's "a lot of work to do" to improve the position.
The franchise is also reportedly expected to part ways with veteran signal-caller Alex Smith, who posted a 5-1 record in six starts last season.