Raiders Retain Manuel, Now Have Four QBs on Roster

The Raiders have a lot of quarterbacks under contract, certainly more than they'll have come September.

That means the battle to be Derek Carr's backup should be fierce. EJ Manuel had that title last year, with a shot to retain it after re-signing with the club on Thursday afternoon.

Veteran Josh Johnson signed up Monday, and those two will join third-year man Connor Cook behind Carr on the depth chart.

New head coach Jon Gruden loved Cook coming out of the draft, but the Michigan State alum failed to earn the backup job last season and must make a move up the depth chart to kickstart his career.

Manuel has a strong arm and starting experience, making him a steady and solid backup option. He completed 24-of-43 passes for 265 yards, a touchdown and an interception in two games when Carr was hurt.

Johnson might be a camp arm at this point, though he'll be given a chance to compete this spring and summer.

Carr has been hurt for at least a small stretch in each of the last two seasons. Having Manuel in that spot might offer stability.

Gruden addressed last year's backup quarterbacks last month at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Gruden on Manuel: "I think EJ is a young, talented guy," Gruden said. "He's been in the facility working out on his own every day. There is a bright upside to him, too, as a young quarterback to keep working with. He's a free agent, but the Philadelphia Eagles proved that's a pretty damn important position, isn't it? Right? So we have to address that and see where we are."

Gruden on Cook: "I am kind of surprised Connor hasn't played in two years, other than the playoff game he got in as a rookie. After Derek got hurt last year, they turned the ball to EJ. I don't know where Connor Cook is. I am frustrated right now that I can't spend any time with him, but, April 9th (when the Raiders offeseason program starts) will be an exciting day for me and Connor Cook."

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