Report: Mariota expected to take pay cut, stay with Raiders

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Marcus Mariota is expected to remain with the team after signing a reworked contract that lowers his base salary from $10.6 million to $3.5 million in 2021, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Mariota was the NFL's highest-paid backup quarterback in 2020. He was set to hold that title again in 2021 before accepting a pay cut, but the passer likely would have been released if he didn't renegotiate his contract.

The 27-year-old will reportedly still get a chance to earn up to $8 million through incentives, though most will presumably require him to play extended snaps. He'll begin the season behind Derek Carr, who has started 110 of 112 possible games since entering the league in 2014.

In his lone appearance last season, Mariota went 17-of-28 passing for 226 yards with a touchdown and an interception during an overtime loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. He also ran for 88 yards and a touchdown in that game after entering following Carr's groin injury.

Mariota reportedly drew trade interest ahead of free agency, but all the teams with a clear opening at quarterback have since filled those holes.

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