The quarterback arrives in Atlanta familiar with the offensive scheme of head coach Arthur Smith, with whom he spent time on the Titans roster.
The Atlanta Falcons moved quickly to find a possible successor for Matt Ryanagreeing to a two-year contract with quarterback Marcus Mariotawho is familiar with the offensive scheme of the head coach Arthur Smith thanks to the time they spent together with the Tennessee Titans. Smith and Mariota worked together in multiple roles over five years together on the roster of the Titansincluding six games of Mariota as a starter during the 2019 campaign. That season was the first of Smith as offensive coordinator for Tennessee.
Mariota28, spent the past two seasons with Las Vegas Raidersand has dealt with numerous injuries, appearing in one game in 2020 and 10 games in 2021. The winner of the Trofeo Heisman of 2014 with the University of Oregon and the No. 2 overall recruit Draft 2015 de la NFLinitially signed a two-year, $17.6 million deal with $7.5 million guaranteed as a free agent to serve as a change-of-pace quarterback behind the Las Vegas, Derek Carr.
Last season, at the opening of the regular season, Mariota participated in a play against the Baltimore Ravens, escaping on the ground for 31 yards. But, he was shaken on the play, and ended up on injured reserve with a quad problem, not reappearing until Week 7, after then-head coach resigned. Jon Gruden in the midst of his email scandal. Mariota he was used mostly in specific packages throughout the season, and had 13 carries for 87 yards with a touchdown.
Mariota has never played a full season, and last started 15 games for the Titans in 2017. Since then, he has appeared in 14, seven, one and 10 games, starting 13, six, zero and zero, respectively, over those seasons.
He has thrown for 13,437 yards and rushed for 1,574 with 77 passing touchdowns, 45 interceptions and 13 rushing touchdowns in seven seasons. NFL.
Previously, the Falcons transferred to Ryanits owner for the last 14 years, at Indianapolis Colts in exchange for a 2022 third-round pick, opening a void at the starting quarterback position for Atlanta.
Information from Paul Gutierrez was used in the writing of this note.