Former Second-Overall Pick Re-Signs with Commanders
The Washington Commanders were about to be on the hunt for a new backup quarterback this offseason, as their backup quarterback, Marcus Mariota, tested free agency for all of four hours. The former Titan, Raider Falcon, and Eagle spent the last two years with Washington. As of today, he has officially re-signed with the Commanders for a contract worth seven million dollars for the next season only. This is his third single-year contract with the Commanders. It hasn’t been an easy ride for him.
Mariota was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the 2015 NFL Draft, coming out of the University of Oregon. He was a star player while he was there, becoming the first Oregon QB to win the Heisman in 2014 and the highest drafted Oregon QB in the Super Bowl era at second overall in 2015. He was an electric player in college. He had deep-ball accuracy and speed, and he especially knew how to run the ball when it needed to be. Due to his draft position, he was given a rather large contract, playing through his entire deal plus his fifth-year option with the Titans. Since then, he has fallen out of the leadership role and has served as a bridge or backup quarterback for each team he has played for. The Raiders and Falcons were the only teams in the post-Titans era to sign Mariota to a two-year deal, but Atlanta cut him in a cap-saving move after one year, being benched with a 5-8 record.
Last season, he had a chance to be the team's leader while Jayden Daniels was out on injury for most of the season. Mariota appeared in 11 games for the Commanders during the 2025 NFL regular season. He completed 139 passes for 1,695 yards and 10 touchdowns, showing he could move the offense through the air. His completion percentage was 61.2%, reflecting some consistency in finding his receivers when given the opportunity. Mariota also added 297 rushing yards, giving him a threat on the ground and helping extend plays beyond the pocket. Despite his dual-threat contributions, he was intercepted seven times, which weighed on some offensive drives, and played a part in his 2-6 starting record for the Commanders
Since he is now re-signed with the Commanders, Mariota has a lot to look forward to for this coming season. The Hawaiian native will be beginning his third year with the same system and for the most part, the same teammates. Washington has big names such as Terry McLaurin, Austin Ekeler, and Jacory Croskey-Merritt. All of them will be able to help him if Daniels were to go out for a few games or more. Mariota, who will be 33 in October, can do it despite his age, and with the familiarity of being back in Washington, may lighten his load.
