The signing of quarterback Marcus Mariota by the Philadelphia Eagles for a single season is another important news from this free agency period. With Mariota on the team, the Eagles are now hoping for a fantastic new backup quarterback to join the squad.
Without qualification, the Eagles are among the league’s top football teams. The Eagles concluded the regular season with a 14-3 record and have won four NFL championships as well as one Super Bowl. They always seek out the top players in an effort to maintain their finest performance.
Why are the Eagles keen on Marcus Mariota?
With a 61.3 completion % in 13 starts, this seasoned quarterback went 42-45 for his career while tossing 2,219 yards, 15 touchdowns, and nine interceptions (5-8 as a starter). Mariota threw for 338 yards and two passing touchdowns while also rushing for 62 yards and one touchdown in the 59-20 victory, earning him the title of offensive MVP.
The injury significantly impacted Mariota’s career, and Atlanta benched the former No. 2 overall pick in favor of Desmond Ridder in Week 15 before Mariota underwent surgery to treat a chronic knee condition, terminating the season. Mariota agreed to a two-year, $18.75 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons on March 21, 2022.
As the Eagles reportedly sought Mariota when he declared for the 2015 NFL draft, it appears that they recognized the quarterback’s potential earlier. The Eagles have agreed to terms on a one-year, $5 million contract that may be worth up to $8 million.
Former Falcons’ QB Marcus Mariota reached agreement with the Philadelphia Eagles on a one-year, $5 million deal worth up to $8 million, per source. Mariota is expected to be the Eagles’ No. 2 QB this season. pic.twitter.com/pBYEOxiMPk
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 17, 2023
Adam stated in his report, “Back in the 2015 draft, the Eagles under Chip Kelly desperately tried to trade up in order to select Marcus Mariott. Eight years later, Mariota finally winds up in Philadelphia.”
Can Mariota successfully fill Jalen Hurts’ shoes?
Mariota will be going to join as a backup of Jalen Hurts, a Pro Bowl quarterback at 24, becoming the second-youngest quarterback in league history to win 14 regular-season games as Philadelphia’s backup quarterback. Jalen appeared in 15 games last year, yet, he had two games sidelined around the end of the regular season due to an injured shoulder.
The greatest thing about Mariota is his capability to play in both quarterback positions. As opposed to his predecessor, Minshew, he simply fits Philadelphia’s offense better, with the Eagles’ RPO-style offense.
In the opinion of the Eagles, Mariota, having spent eight seasons playing for Tennessee, Las Vegas, and Atlanta, can be Hurts’ finest replacement.
