3 teams Marcus Mariota could start for in 2023 NFL free agency
Whether as a one-year starter or as a top-flight backup option, Marcus Mariota should have plenty of options in 2023 NFL free agency. Mariota’s time this past year with the Atlanta Falcons seemingly ended unceremoniously as there was a report or rumor about Mariota quitting the team when he was benched for Desmond Ridder with four games remaining. Some may call it quitting on the team, but Mariota decided to have a knee procedure after he was benched as well as spend time with his newborn child.
It’s hard to call that ‘quitting’ on the team but if you want to call it that, I guess the Falcons also ‘quit’ on Mariota after he started 13 games for them and did better than many expected him to. However you view Mariota’s exit from the Falcons, he’s going to get a clean slate from some other team. There are plenty of intriguing fits out there for Mariota, but where would he have a legitimate chance of starting in 2023?
Let’s look at his top three options in that regard.
Marcus Mariota’s top 3 starting opportunities in 2023 NFL Free Agency
1. Indianapolis Colts
46. Scouting Report. AFC South. . Indianapolis Colts. 1. player. Pick Analysis
One of the top options right now for Marcus Mariota in 2023 NFL free agency might just be the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts, owners of the 4th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, just recently hired Shane Steichen as their newest head coach. Steichen’s last two stops have included some very successful work with a quarterback out of Oregon (Justin Herbert) and a quarterback that can really run (Jalen Hurts) so obviously, the combination of the two with Marcus Mariota could make this a great match.
All kidding aside, I do think there’s something to the idea of Mariota joining forces with Steichen, who designed an offense around Jalen Hurts the last couple of years in Philadelphia and had a lot of success. Although Mariota is not as physical as Hurts, I think you could run a similar offense with him as you did with Hurts in Philly and I think Steichen could get a lot out of this offense with Mariota and Jonathan Taylor.
The Colts wouldn’t have to pass on QBs atop this draft class if they acquire Marcus Mariota, either, which could make him one of their top bridge options at the position.