Marcus Mariota’s NFL career hasn’t come close to matching his college career.
The former Heisman Trophy winner and No. 2 pick in the 2015 NFL draft has displayed incredible talent in spurts of his NFL career, but quarterback’s 10 years has mostly be defined by average performances more associated with a journeyman player. Mariota has had his opportunities to prove he can be a consistent starting quarterback in the NFL, but too many mediocre and inconsistent performances has relegated him to a backup role during the past few seasons.
Mariota signed a one-year deal with the Washington Commanders for the 2024 season. He’s expected to be the backup to rookie Jayden Daniels, the No. 2 pick in the 2024 NFL draft. That’s the direction Mariota’s career is on, as a backup. Bradley Locker of Pro Football Focus suggests Mariota won’t get many more opportunities in the NFL and included him on his list of “players nearing the end of notable careers.”
“The former Heisman winner and No. 2 overall pick generally didn’t live up to the billing in the pro ranks, but Mariota showcased spurts of excellence during the earlier stages of his career. He earned an overall grade of 76.2 or higher in 2017 and 2018, which proved his zenith as a full-time starter.
Things have taken a precipitous turn for Mariota since 2018. The former Duck was benched for Ryan Tannehill in Tennessee; signed with the Raiders, where he backed up Derek Carr for two years; posted just a 62.7 passing grade with the Falcons in 2022 before promptly leaving the team; and was Jalen Hurts’ insurance with the Eagles in 2023.
Now on a one-year deal with the Commanders, Mariota will almost assuredly serve as the team’s QB2 behind No. 2 overall pick Jayden Daniels. Even though he’s still only 30, Mariota seems to have been relegated to journeyman backup status.”
Mariota has thrown for 15,280 yards with 93 touchdowns and 55 interceptions and a 62.7% completion rate in 90 games with 74 starts. His record as a starter is 34-40.
Based on his recent stints with the Raiders, Falcons and Eagles and now with Commanders, Mariota’s days as a starter seem to be over and he’s now viewed as a backup in the league. However, Mariota has developed a well-earned reputation as a solid teammate and a mentor for young quarterbacks. NFL teams commit a lot of money to quarterbacks who are very young, and having someone like Mariota in the quarterback room to help them navigate the league is valuable.
Mariota’s career as a starter may be done, but his reputation as a reliable backup and mentor could keep him in the league for a few more years.