What would Washington general manager Adam Peters do if quarterback Marcus Mariota departs via NFL free agency?
Mariota is not averse to moving. In his ten NFL seasons, he has already played for five different teams. Mariota, who was drafted by the Titans, spent five seasons in Nashville. Then, He spent two seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders, one as an Atlanta Falcon and Philadelphia Eagle, and last season as a Washington Commander.
Appearing in three games, he took exactly 100 offensive snaps for the Commanders. Mariota played well against the Panthers when Jayden Daniels went down in the first quarter and led a second-half comeback win over the Cowboys in the season finale in Dallas.
Yes, Mariota has a dream job in that he can primarily be a mentor on the practice field, game sidelines, and meeting rooms for Daniels. Mariota could remain healthy in this role, not risking his health for later life.
However, what if Mariota is offered an opportunity to be a team’s bridge starter for a year while they groom and prepare a rookie for 2026? The competitor in Mariota might welcome that opportunity, being fully aware it could very well be his last opportunity to start for an NFL season.
Two teams immediately come to mind who might pursue Mariota to start a year or two for them (The Jets and Raiders). They wouldn’t have to spend so much money, and Mariota might relish one final opportunity at such a role.
Marcus Mariota with the big gain!#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/pSpLQTO6Ot
— COMMANDERS FOOTBALL (@HogsHaven) January 5, 2025
If the former No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft determines to depart as a free agent, what does that mean for the Commanders and Adam Peters?
Before you reflexively reply that Jeff Driskel could handle the job as Daniels’ backup, be aware that Driskel is also an unrestricted free agent. It’s not beyond the realm of possibility that both could be offered a raise and depart the Commanders and Daniels.
The Commanders will need to be looking to sign a QB(s) whose market value and role correspond as a backup to Daniels.
Are there connections to Peters or OC Klint Kingsbury? Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo were both in San Francisco with Peters.
Surely some team looking for a possible starter would sign Justin Fields? Might Joshua Dobbs be interested in coming to Ashburn?
Might Daniel Jones be willing to take on such a role as a supportive backup?
Perhaps it would be best for Daniels if Mariota and Driskel were interested in returning to the DMV for another season.