Detroit Lions: 3 2022 free agent quarterbacks to bring in for competition

1. Marcus Mariota

Mariota is nearing the end of his second season as Derek Carr’s backup in Las Vegas, with only a few snaps of action this season as what amounts to a Wildcat quarterback. He made one appearance in a game Carr was injured in last season, and played fairly well (17-for-28 for 226 yards, one touchdown, one interception; 88 rushing yards and a touchdown).

Mariota is not going to be back with the Raiders next season. Landing somewhere he’ll be able to compete for a starting job is a different piece of the conversation. When the Raiders signed him, the contract they gave him was set to reward him handsomely if he had replaced Carr. As it was, he earned a little extra money in the game he did play in last year.

The Lions could do something similar come March, giving Mariota a lower base salary with incentives he can cash in based on starts made, snap counts/percentages, team success, etc.

The former No. 2 overall pick may have a solid market for his services in free agency, as teams consider and balance their quarterback options for the short and long-term. The Lions could be in that mix, if the price is right and they want to court competition for Goff.