Getty Former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Marcus Mariota is joining the Washington Commanders.
The Philadelphia Eagles are in the market for a new backup quarterback as veteran Marcus Mariota has agreed to terms with the Washington Commanders. Mariota has verbally agreed to a one-year, $6 million deal with the Commanders, a contract that could be worth as much as $10 million, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter on March 12.
It is a good opportunity for Mariota beginning with a raise from his previous one-year, $5 million deal with the Eagles in 2023. The Commanders also have a less solidified quarterback room than the Eagles.
Washington has Sam Howell returning but also has an opportunity to take a top quarterback prospect with the No. 2 pick. Jalen Hurts was able to play through injuries last season, meaning Mariota saw the field sparingly.
Mariota did not make any starts playing in three contests in 2023. The veteran threw for 164 yards, 1 touchdown and an interception while completing 65.2% of his passes in limited action. Mariota also added 8 carries for 52 yards last season.
The veteran signal-caller is no stranger to the NFL making 74 starts over his career. Mariota was selected by the Tennessee Titans with the No. 2 pick in the 2015 NFL draft.
Eagles Rumors: Philadelphia Is Being Labeled as a Potential Trade Partner for Bears QB Justin Fields
I can’t find a team with interest in Justin Fields. There’s a good chance he’ll be a backup or in a QB competition.
The Eagles make sense – backing up Jalen Hurts in an offense that fits his skill set.
Check out The GM Shuffle on @DKNetwork at t.co/b4sYN4CC91
The Eagles will want to solidify their backup quarterback spot sooner rather than later. Philadelphia was fortunate that Hurts was able to play through significant injuries last season.
Yet, the Eagles utilize Hurts’ legs often during games putting him at risk for injuries. Given the shrinking market the Chicago Bears are finding for Justin Fields, could Philly get involved in the coming weeks? KOA Colorado’s Benjamin Allbright views the Eagles as one of the top potential landing spots for Fields.
“Wouldn’t be surprised if Justin Fields winds up as a backup with the Colts or Eagles,” Allbright detailed in a March 11, 2024 message on X. “Several teams that were being reported were never in play, and the market has been incredibly thin on him as the Bears have shopped him for a few weeks.”
NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah also wonders whether general manager Howie Roseman will kick the tires on Fields. The quarterback has one season remaining on a four-year, $18.8 million rookie deal. Fields has a reasonable $6 million cap hit for 2024.
“Interesting nugget from [Daniel Jeremiah] on @nflnetwork just now. If the price drops dramatically, would the #eagles be interested in Justin Fields as a dynamic athletic backup to Jalen Hurts?” NFL Network’s James Palmer noted with a March 11 X message.
Eagles Rumors: Ryan Tannehill & Drew Lock Headline the Available Free Agent Quarterbacks
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.
Veteran quarterbacks have been flying off the board in the early stages of free agency. If the Eagles prefer not to give up assets for Fields, who are some additional options for Philadelphia as their new QB2?
Available free agent quarterbacks include Ryan Tannehill, Drew Lock, Tyler Huntley, Joe Flacco, Josh Dobbs and yes, Carson Wentz. The Eagles could also turn to the 2024 NFL draft to find a quarterback.
Philadelphia does have Tanner McKee under contract on a four-year, $4 million deal. McKee’s contract is slated to run through the 2026 season, and the signal-caller served as the team’s third quarterback last season.