Raiders' Mariota ready to support Carr: 'This is Derek's team'

Marcus Mariota may have seen a path to an eventual starting role before signing with the Las Vegas Raiders, but the quarterback insists he's coming in as a backup.

"First and foremost, this is Derek (Carr)'s team, and I understand that," Mariota told KHON-TV, according to ESPN's Paul Gutierrez. He added: "My priority going into free agency was to be a part of a team that I felt could bring out the best in me. Whatever happens, whatever comes of that, I'm ready for.

"But I do know to play starting quarterback in the NFL, to be at that spot, is not an 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, and that's what we have to do. And I'm going to do my best to support Derek in every possible way that I can ... I'm just going to try to become the best player that I can be and see where that takes me."

Mariota joined Las Vegas as a free agent last week, inking a two-year, $17.6-million deal with the Raiders after five up-and-down seasons with the Tennessee Titans. The former No. 2 overall pick and Heisman Trophy winner lost his job to Ryan Tannehill last season and watched as Tannehill led Tennessee to the AFC Championship Game.

"These last five years have been a blessing, no doubt," Mariota said of heading west. "I think Nashville has treated us very well. But this is a great opportunity for us, and it's an opportunity to be closer to home and also to be part of a great organization."

The 26-year-old has averaged 210 passing yards per contest over 63 career games. He's amassed 88 total touchdowns while tossing 44 interceptions and owns a career passer rating of 89.6.