Marcus Mariota’s top reason for signing with the Las Vegas Raiders provided a subtle reminder of his five seasons with the Tennessee Titans.

Mariota, who signed a two-year, $17.6 million free agent contract with the Raiders last week, said his number one priority was stability. Mariota’s desire to sign with a stable franchise shouldn’t be too surprising, considering the coaching carousel he endured with the Titans.

“There were two priorities that I had while I was going through this free agency process. Number one was to find stability," Mariota told television station KHON in Hawaii on Tuesday. "I wanted to be part of an organization that had a stable head coach, that had stability in the front office.”

Mariota, a gracious and consummate team player, wouldn’t ever openly criticize the Titans organization. But one can’t help but think his comments offered a behind the scenes glimpse about his time in Tennessee.

Mariota worked under five offensive coordinators and three head coaches while he played for the Titans. That’s not stability, that’s instability bordering on chaos. The Raiders are coached by Jon Gruden, who signed a 10-year, $100 million contract in 2018. Gruden is likely going to be around for a while.

The Raiders’ stability as a franchise and team is why Mariota signed a contract that could be worth - if he achieves a bunch of incentives - up to $37.5 million during the two seasons. In addition, Gruden’s west coast offense emphasizes medium-range passing, an area where Mariota can excel.

“I wanted to be part of a coaching staff that could bring out the best in me, that could embrace my talent and just kind of put my best foot forward,” Mariota told KHON. “My priorities 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 it.”

The Raiders signed Mariota initially as the backup to starter Derek Carr. Mariota provides insurance if Carr is injured or struggles. However, Mariota is well aware of his current position on the team.

“First and foremost, this is Derek’s team, and I understand that," Mariota told KHON. “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; and along with that, I’m just going to try to become the best player that I can be and see where that takes me.”

Mariota threw for 13,207 yards with 76 touchdown passes and 44 interceptions during his career with the Titans. He also ran for 1,399 yards and 11 touchdowns while posting a record 29-32, starting in the 61 of 63 games he appeared in with the Titans.

-- Geoffrey C. Arnold | @geoffreyCarnold