5 Biggest Headlines From the Las Vegas Raiders' Training Camp

#5 Marcus Mariota keeping tabs on other starting roles

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNB63ptlkcg

Marcus Mariota has wanted the starting job in Las Vegas ever since he touched down in Nevada, and while he has shown flashes of brilliance, whether that be trying to out-duel Derek Carr in practice, trying to be the better performer in preseason games, or even serving in the star quarterback's absence, it has never been enough. Maybe that's why Mariota is still looking at other potential starting jobs despite restructuring his deal with the Raiders.

"Absolutely," he said when asked if he monitors other QB situations. "It is my goal (to be a starter), so I do keep tabs on what's going on. For us as players, it's kind of important to see what the landscape is. That being said, I enjoy this team. It's a great organization to play for."

Mariota's last start was in Week 15 last season, where he was brought in for an injured Derek Carr.  Now, Mariota did manage one touchdown and 226 yards, but the team still lost. With that being said and Mariota being a bit of a wild card, maybe expect the Raiders to trade him towards the deadline. It could create some cap space, allow Mariota to thrive somewhere else, and bring in someone new to develop under Carr.

#4 DJ Turner impressing people in Raiders practice

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mAjmVwFOfk

DJ Turner isn't your average NFL player. In fact, after only one season at Pittsburgh, the young wide receiver decided to test the waters in the 2021 NFL Draft. While Turner didn't end up getting drafted, he later got signed in free agency by the Las Vegas Raiders. Interestingly enough, Turner has been turning heads at training camp, which could be a sign that he gets some playing time this season. He could grow into one of the Raiders' better receivers if all goes well.

I think what sticks out is his toughness, an NFL scout explained. He can be used all over the place, and he can help on special teams. He is fast, has good hands, and has quick feet. When you watch his film, the toughness and grit jump out. Turner is a little guy but does not shy away from blocking or being hit. He is likely a slot guy at the next level, and when he is on the field, he will find a way to produce. He will put his nose on a defender. He can catch everything. He will blast somebody, and I love that about him. I like his film because Turner has been fun to stud

#3 Willie Snead helping Raiders prepare for matchup against the Ravens

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZxHQc0LI7U

Willie Snead has all the dirt on the Baltimore Ravens defense after spending three seasons with the organization, making him the man that the Raiders want to talk to heading into game one of the NFL season.  Snead was acquired in free agency by the Raiders earlier this offseason and was brought in to help alleviate the absence brought about by Nelson Agholor. He will also prove crucial in Week One's matchup due to knowing many of Baltimore's defensive tricks.

We ve already had conversations, Snead said with a bit of a laugh, But, yeah, absolutely, that s the start of the season and I ve been there for three seasons... I think it s just me giving them a little bit more insight into what they want to do game plan-wise.

#2 Darren Wallner misses four striaght practices

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqFoKMLLQVU

Darren Waller is expected to be one of Derek Carr's primary targets in 2021, but even that is coming into question after the veteran tight end has sat out for five practices. Reports indicate that Waller suffered some kind of leg injury in a fall and has been limping ever since.

According to Vic Tafur of the Athletic, Waller has been spotted in the weight room in the last week, leaving many to believe that whatever is going on isn't that serious. Maybe this is just a case of the Raiders wanting to protect their biggest weapon, but it does call into question Waller's durability. It begs the question if the Raiders should start preparing a backup to take some of the load off Waller early on in the season. Maybe even bring in Foster Moreau and give him some snaps.

#1 Derek Carr wants to play until he is 45 years old

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8wdVl-iklg

It's no secret that Las Vegas quarterback Derek Carr is one of the most polarizing entities in the NFL right now, and some are wondering how much longer he will hold a death grip over the starting job. While the jury is still out on how long he will remain the starter for the Las Vegas Raiders, especially with his dips in performance throughout the season, he apparently dreams of playing until he is 45. Will he be a Raider for that long, though? He already admitted that he would retire if he was released by the Raiders, calling into question whether he will live out his dream.

"I feel like I can play another 15 years, without a doubt," Carr, who turned 30 on March 28, said. "Nothing's hurting. It's the middle of the camp, and I feel great. I feel strong, I feel fast, I feel explosive. And I think it's just the way we train now."