Best fits for Marcus Mariota
By: Jake Rajala
Marcus Mariota was once seen as a quality dual-threat quarterback. Well, times have changed and he’s been a backup QB over the past several years. With that said, he has flashed potential in the right place. Hence, I’m going to lay out five teams that could be a quality fit for him.
New Orleans Saints
Kellen Moore won a Super Bowl with Jalen Hurts last season. Hurts and Mariota have similar ability, as they’re both dual-threat QBs. Mariota doesn’t have to throw 350 yards downfield with the Saints. He can throw many quick passes to Chris Olave, Alvin Kamara, and Juwan Johnson. They are all excellent in space. Spencer Rattler has potential, but he’s also 0-9. Yikes.
Tennessee Titans
Perhaps a reunion between the Titans and Mariota is on the horizon. The former first overall pick Cam Ward is sacked more than any other QB! Yes, you read that correctly. I’d like to see a veteran stand in there and wait for the OL and weapons to improve before Ward starts. Cam Ward isn’t a bust, but he could benefit from sitting for a year or two. Mariota had winning seasons in Tennessee.
Houston Texans
The second AFC South team on the list. CJ Stroud has fallen off a cliff. PFF has ranked Stroud as the 31st best QB this season. To be fair, I don’t love his weapons. Nico Collins can’t carry their offense by himself. Stroud still has potential that was shown in his rookie season. Mariota could fit in well with the talented Texans RBs (as they have Nick Chubb and Joe Mixon). Just as Lamar Jackson opens up the running game, Mariota could, as well.
Las Vegas Raiders
There is a rich chemistry between Raiders OC Chip Kelly and Mariota, as they played together in Oregon. Mariota won a Heisman under Kelly. Let’s not forget how prolific the explosive QB Michael Vick was under Kelly in Philly, as well. Geno Smith is a few years older than Mariota, as he’s close to being washed up.
Baltimore Ravens
Mariota won’t be the long term answer for the Ravens, obviously. Nonetheless, Lamar has suffered injuries quite a bit in his career. He only played in 12 games in 2021 and 12 games in 2022. Mariota would have the potential to lead one of the best teams in the league in Baltimore if LJ is out. Mariota is simply a better fit than Cooper Rush.
New York Jets
Mariota and Justin Fields have similar skillsets. Fields also has a knack to not stay healthy or he can play poorly. Fields would really benefit from some competition. Fields has been on a roller coaster. He was benched in Pittsburgh and now he suffered a concussion as a Jet. He needs to take less hits, while using his legs to shine.
Honorable Mention:
Green Bay Packers
Mariota wouldn’t compete for a QB1 gig in Green Bay, but he could take the QB2 role from Malik Willis. Willis and Mariota share a similar skillset. With that said, Love did miss a couple of games in 2024, so it’s vital to have a potent QB2.
Mariota could even have a unique, Taysom Hill-like role. He could come in for QB run plays.
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