When Adam Peters took over as general manager of the Washington Commanders, he had to start rebuilding the team from the ground up. He sought out capable veterans in free agency and drafted his future franchise quarterback. At least, that’s what he thought he was doing because the Commanders had already signed Marcus Mariota.
Peters perhaps thought that Mariota could be the starter in 2024, and Jayden Daniels would be able to sit behind him for a while and learn. Except that’s not what happened at all. Daniels surprised everyone and took to the NFL like we’ve never seen before, which made Mariota one of the most reliable backup quarterbacks in the NFL. In fact, CBS Sports ranks Mariota the eighth-best backup in the league.
Again, this is mostly about fit. So much of the backup game has to do with the setup. Mariota has never really been a steady passer at the NFL level. He’s still got chain-moving legs at 31, though, and played admirably in relief of Jayden Daniels in 2023. Throw in the vast experience, which includes an early-career playoff win with the Tennessee Titans, and he makes sense in a Kliff Kingsbury attack that prioritizes dual-threat quarterbacking.
Initially drafted by the Tennessee Titans with the second overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft, Mariota played his first five seasons in Nashville. After that, he played two seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders, a season in Atlanta, and a season in Philadelphia before joining the Commanders.
Now entering his second season with the Commanders, it’s become increasingly clear that Mariota is one of the best backup quarterbacks in this league. There are teams where he could probably be a starter, but the veteran fits well in Washington, and his reliability to keep the Commanders on track when Daniels is sidelined isn’t something the team wants to give up. Mariota was critical in leading Washington to two wins last season, including his game-winning touchdown in the regular-season finale against the Dallas Cowboys.
Will Marcus Mariota ever reach the Hall of Fame? Probably not. But that doesn’t lessen his impact as Jayden Daniels’ backup in Washington.
