Getty Images Marcus Mariota played sparingly for the Eagles last season as Jalen Hurts' backup.
The NFC East on NFC East crime continues to take place in the NFL’s legal tamperting period as former Eagles QB and No. 2 overall pick from the 2015 NFL draft, Marcus Mariota, is signing a deal with the Washington Commanders, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter on March 12.
The one-year, $6 million deal does not hinder the Commanders from acquiring a franchise quarterback in next month’s NFL draft.
Inside the legal tampering window, teams may negotiate with players but cannot officially sign until the new league year begins tomorrow, March 13 at 4 pm EST.
Former Eagles QB Marcus Mariota is signing with the Washington Commanders on a 1-year deal with a base value of $6 million and upside to $10 million, per source.
The former Oregon Duck and 2015 Heisman Trophy runner-up winner signs on the same day his alma mater is holding their Pro Day in Eugene.
He becomes the third NFC East player to join the Commanders after the team poached Cowboys center Tyler Biadasz and defensive end Dorance Armstong yesterday. Longtime Eagles tight end Zack Ertz signed before free agency but played for Arizona last season.
Mariota spent his first five seasons with the Titans. When Tennesee decided it was time to move on, he played two seasons for the Las Vegas Raiders. One-year stops in Atlanta and last season in Philadelphia reveal two things.
First, he is talented enough to still be in the league. The journeyman QB has thrown for over 15,000 yards in his career tossing 93 touchdowns. His threat as a runner could give teams an element many backup quarterbacks lack.
Second, his experience could lend a hand to the incoming rookie many expect Washington to select. He has backed up younger quarterbacks before and could be a mentor to the room.
Mariota’s arrival immediately calls into question the status of last year’s starting quarterback Sam Howell.
The Reason Behind The Marcus Mariota Move
Through incentives, Mariota has the chance to earn up to $10 million this upcoming season. His base salary comes in under that of his previous predecessor. Washington employed quarterback Jacoby Brissett as their primary backup last season who recently signed a one-year $8 million deal with the New England Patriots.
Other than saving $2 million, this gives the Commanders the ability to sit a young quarterback without breaking the bank for an experienced signal-caller.
Patriots, QB Jacoby Brissett agree to terms on one-year, $8M deal. (via @RapSheet)
In a quick quarterback comparison, the numbers vary. Since 2020, Brissett has started 16 games while Mariota has only started 13. Brissett has more passing yards under that span but Mariota has significantly more yards throughout his career.
Mariota has almost twice as many career touchdown passes (93) than Brissett has (51).
In a comparison of rushing stats, Brissett’s career rushing yards (915) pale in comparison to Mariota’s rush yards (2,064). Mariota has also rushed for 137 career first-downs.
Mariota’s skillset is more in line with the new wave of mobile quarterbacks the NFL has recently seen.
Mobility has traditionally been a skillset required to proficiently run new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury’s updated Air Raid scheme.
Get to Know New Commanders QB Marcus Mariota on Netflix
The popular streaming service known as Netflix has a show called “Quarterbacks” which takes a deep dive into the lives of NFL field generals and their families. Former Washington quarterback Kirk Cousins joins Mariota and gives a glimpse of the rigors of the NFL.
Super Bowl-winning quarterback Patrick Mahomes is the third QB in this captivating series.
One thing to keep tabs on is Mariota who hinted at retirement when the Falcons released him before landing in Philadelphia.
No matter his future intentions, Mariota is the latest in what is becoming a total overhaul in Washington.