It was a quiet start to free agency for the Washington Commanders. Fans who were expecting immediate splashes with the available money were out of luck, with only cornerback Amik Robertson agreeing to terms during the early stages of the legal tampering window.
However, the Commanders did get another deal worked out with one of their own free agents. And they had to pay a premium for what he could potentially provide.
According to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, the Commanders have re-signed veteran backup quarterback Marcus Mariota. The deal is worth $7 million, which could rise to $11 million with incentives. This keeps continuity around Jayden Daniels, who lost his offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach within a few short weeks.
Commanders hedging their bets with Marcus Mariota if Jayden Daniels gets hurt again
This is top-tier backup money. Everyone associated with the Commanders will be hoping Mariota doesn't get his incentives. After all, they are likely attached to one thing and one thing only.
Playing time and the statistics that come with it.
Daniels' health is paramount to the Commanders' chances of bouncing back. The dynamic signal-caller featured just seven times last season, completing four contests. Several frustrating injuries caused his demise, and Washington's hopes went with him. Mariota performed relatively well in his absence, but his limitations are obvious at this stage of his career.
Most thought Mariota would take his chances elsewhere. The Oregon product outlined his desire to see what else is out there. He no doubt wanted the chance to at least compete for a starting job. When nothing materialized initially, he accepted Washington's offer, which is more than some starters on the team will make in 2026.
Mariota loves being in Washington. He's beloved in the locker room, and Daniels credits him greatly for providing the mentorship needed during his sensational rookie campaign. But the Heisman Trophy winner is in Year 3 and no longer needs a security blanket, so this re-signing has everything to do with the potential for the Commanders' franchise player getting hurt again.
Maybe a cheaper option could have been found, but Mariota's return keeps continuity. He's also got a relationship with new offensive coordinator David Blough, which will only smooth the rookie play-caller's transition.
It's not an earth-shattering signing by any stretch of the imagination. Hopefully, Mariota can earn his money helping prepare Daniels during game weeks and behind the scenes, rather than doing anything meaningful on the field in a regular-season setting.
Because if Daniels misses considerable time again, that's a much bigger issue for the Commanders.