Eagles Sign Marcus Mariota on a 1-Year, $5 Million Deal to Serve as Backup QB

Marcus Mariota with Atlanta Falcons in November 2022.
Marcus Mariota with Atlanta Falcons in November 2022. Photo by Reggie Hildred/CSM/Shutterstock (13640074av)

Veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota didn’t like being a backup on the Atlanta Falcons in the final stretch of last season. However, it turns out that he doesn’t mind filling that role for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that Mariota agreed to terms with the Eagles, where he’ll serve as Jalen Hurts’ backup. The deal is for one year and $5 million, with the most money Mariota can get being $8 million. 

The Eagles were on the market for a backup QB after seeing Gardner Minshew leave in free agency to join the Indianapolis Colts. With Mariota, they are getting more than worthy replacement and a more mobile quarterback that fits their system better.

Marcus Mariota spent the 2022 campaign with the Atlanta Falcons, serving as the team’s starter for the better part of the season. But after the Falcons went 5-8 with Mariota as a starter, head coach Arthur Smith opted to give rookie Desmond Ridder a shot under center. Unpleased with the benching, Mariota ended up staying away from the team and was subsequently released.

Mariota, who previously also played with the Tennessee Titans and the Las Vegas Raiders, has a 34-40 record as a starter in NFL. He completed 62.6 percent of his career passes for 15,656 throwing yards, 92 touchdowns, and 54 interceptions.

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