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
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.
2. Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders seem to be, for the time being, fully on board the Sam Howell train. I don’t blame them, to be honest. I was a big fan of Howell’s game at North Carolina, and while many of us thought he was a sure-fire first-round pick at one point, I was among those who felt the Commanders got a major steal when they landed him in round five.
As talented as Howell is, I don’t think it’s out of the realm of possibility that Marcus Mariota could beat him out for a starting job for new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. Bieniemy certainly has weapons in the passing game to distribute the ball to, and perhaps Mariota’s skill as a runner doesn’t fit best with the personnel the Commanders have in terms of wide receivers, but this seems like a match that could work.
The Commanders have a really interesting setup right now with Bieniemy calling the shots, tremendous skill players, and a top-10 defense. This seems like the ideal kind of situation for someone like Mariota to step into, especially if Howell is the only competition for a starting job.
Washington doesn’t appear to be in the market for the bigger-name quarterbacks at this point. They didn’t reach out to Derek Carr’s people, so they must not want to spend big at the position right now. If they sign Mariota to come in and compete with Sam Howell, I think that’s a scenario where Mariota could thrive.
Commanders fans might be more inclined to just let Howell play, but this is a team that went 8-8-1 last season. They made the playoffs the year before. Jobs could be on the line. You hired Eric Bieniemy in one of the biggest coaching moves of the offseason. I don’t think Sam Howell is just going to be handed the job.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
One strong option for Marcus Mariota in 2023 should be staying in the NFC South and going to play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs lost Tom Brady to retirement this offseason. Their only option to replace him at this point is former second-round pick Kyle Trask, and that isn’t an option that inspires a ton of confidence.
The Bucs decided to hire Seahawks QB coach Dave Canales to be their new offensive coordinator, and they want to be able to run the ball heavily just as Seattle has done effectively, especially this past season with rookie Kenneth Walker. That desire to be a run-first team could benefit someone like Mariota greatly. If you’re looking for someone to throw the ball 40-50 times per game, Mariota’s not the one for you.
But if you want to establish a strong running game and use the pass to capitalize on wearing down a defense in that way? Mariota could help the Buccaneers stay stable in the wake of all the changes they are undoubtedly going to go through in the 2023 offseason..
Mariota is obviously familiar with the division. He would have some big targets to get the ball to in Tampa Bay and I think we’ll see the Bucs really do a lot to revamp their running game from a personnel perspective. If they can stay healthy, this is also a defense that could really carry the team if need be.
Marcus Mariota landing in Tampa Bay, especially after the hiring of Canales, is something that could make a lot of sense. Plus, playing in Florida, Mariota’s contract would be income tax-free, which is something that typically is a driving force for free agents. I don’t think beating out Kyle Trask would be much of an issue for Mariota, either.