Analyst states career end could be near for Commanders QB Marcus Mariota

Marcus Mariota has an important role for the Washington Commanders in 2024. The veteran quarterback might not see any time on the field aside from preseason commitments, but his job behind the scenes is integral. This centers on the development of Jayden Daniels as he looks to take the NFL by storm.

Mariota has a wealth of experience to call upon. He - like Daniels - came into the league as a highly-touted prospect and the No. 2 overall selection out of Oregon. It was a promising start from the signal-caller before things tailed off dramatically. After failing to capitalize on another starting chance with the Atlanta Falcons in 2023, it seems his hopes of being a No. 1 again are firmly in the rearview mirror.

Although the Commanders haven't announced it officially, Daniels will be under center in Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Mariota will watch from the sidelines unless injury strikes. His primary objectives will be to ensure the LSU product is well prepared week to week and stay ready if he's called upon.

Analyst predicts Commanders QB Marcus Mariota's NFL career to end soon

What comes after that is less certain. Quarterbacks tend to play longer these days, but Bradley Locker from Pro Football Focus believes the end of his playing days could be near.

"The former Heisman winner and No. 2 overall pick generally didn’t live up to the billing in the pro ranks, but [Marcus] Mariota showcased spurts of excellence during the earlier stages of his career. Things have taken a precipitous turn for Mariota since 2018. The former Duck was benched for Ryan Tannehill in Tennessee; signed with the Raiders, where he backed up Derek Carr for two years; posted just a 62.7 passing grade with the Falcons in 2022 before promptly leaving the team; and was Jalen Hurts’ insurance with the Eagles in 2023. Now on a one-year deal with the Commanders, Mariota will almost assuredly serve as the team’s QB2 behind No. 2 overall pick Jayden Daniels. Even though he’s still only 30, Mariota seems to have been relegated to journeyman backup status."

- Bradley Locker, PFF

This is the natural progression with quarterbacks who don't quite meet their pre-draft billing. They get a second chance to start - especially those chosen at the higher end of the college selection process. Failing to meet specific targets on this go-around relegates them to perennial backups.

In some cases, they are cast aside entirely.

The Commanders believe Mariota could fill the void at football's most crucial position if needed. His skill set looks well-suited to offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury's schematic demands. But in an ideal world, he'll be an innocent bystander as Daniels puts the entire league on notice during his first year in a professional environment.

If Mariota embraces the backup role, builds a strong relationship with Daniels, and continues his evolution into a locker-room leader, a situation could emerge where the Commanders offer him an extension. Should the opposite occur, new general manager Adam Peters won't hesitate to go in a different direction.

It would be hard to see a way back for Mariota if this scenario came to fruition. That's for the future. For now, his underrated role is integral to Washington's chances of immediate progress in 2024.