Raiders quarterback Marcus Mariota is the favorite to be the Patriots’ starting quarterback in Week 1 of the 2021 season, according to SportsBetting.com.
The website lists the odds at 5/2 (+250). The change comes at a time of rumors surrounding the market before the opening of the new year of the league on March 17.
Mariota still maintains a contract with the Raiders. After spending the first five seasons of his career with the Titans, he signed a two-year, $ 17.6 million contract with Las Vegas ahead of the 2020 season.
But the Raiders have little space on the cover, and moving Mariota could give the team more room to maneuver. They rehired Nathan Peterman, who was behind Derek Carr and Mariota on the Raiders’ depth chart in 2020. Mariota is expected to receive $ 10.75 million for the next season.
Mariota only appeared once last season, when Carr suffered a groin injury in the first quarter of the Raiders’ game in Week 15 against the Chargers. He had a solid display, pitching for 226 yards, a touchdown and an interception, adding 88 yards on the ground and another touchdown in what turned out to be a 30-27 loss in overtime.
Right behind Mariota on the list of favorite bets is Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett, who is listed with a 7/2 chance. Brissett is a free agent in 2021, so a meeting with the Patriots is possible.
After leaving for Indianapolis in 2019, Brissett supported Philip Rivers in 2020. He played in 11 games, mostly in short-down situations. During his four years in Indianapolis, Brissett acquired a record 11-19 as a starter, playing for 6,059 yards, 31 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.
Jarrett Stidham (4/1), Cam Newton (5/1) and a new quarterback (5/1) round out the top five.
Stidham still has two years left of his rookie contract with the Patriots. Newton will be a free agent when the league year starts in March, but said earlier this week that he would be interested in returning to New England.
Among potential newcomers, Mac Jones is the choice of many draft experts. Former Patriots offensive coordinator Charlie Weis recently pleaded with his former employer to catch Jones in April’s recruitment.
SportsBetting.com’s chances of starting the Patriots’ quarterback in week 1 of next season lists 26 quarterbacks in total, including curious shots like Ben Roethlisberger, Dak Prescott and Matt Ryan.
You can see the full list here:
Marcus Mariota 5/2
Jacoby Brissett 7/2
Jarrett Stidham 4/1
Cam Newton 5/1
Beginner Quarterback 5/1
Blaine Gabbert 7/1
Andy Dalton 08/01
Deshaun Watson 10/01
Brian Hoyer 12/1
Joe Flacco 1/15
Mike Glennon 1/15
Jimmy Garoppolo 15/1
Blake Bortles 1/20
Colt McCoy 1/20
Tyrod Taylor 1/20
Ryan Fitzpatrick 1/20
Sam Darnold 1/25
Geno Smith 25/1
Robert Griffin III 25/1
Matt Barkley 1/30
Mitchell Trubisky 40/1
Jake Dolegala 40/1
Dak Prescott 50/1
Jameis Winston 50/1
Ben Roethlisberger 60/1
Matt Ryan 70/1