Presser: Marcus Mariota flew in, signed his new contract, and met with the local press today

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Washington’s backup quarterback (and mentor to Jayden Daniels), Marcus Mariota, got with the DMV sports journalists today to talk about his decision to return to Washington on a third 1-year contract.

He mentioned that he arrived to the facility straight from a ‘red eye’ flight that left Portland at 11pm, but he was upbeat and cheerful, adding that his return flight was scheduled for 12 o’clock. Quite a trip!

He started out by talking about how special the environment is with the team and the quarterback room; how much he enjoys mentoring Daniels, and how enticing the situation is — so much so that he and his family, who would prefer to live on the west coast, are staying in the DMV for another season.

Mariota was clear that he did explore options with other teams, but that this was the optimum situation fro him and that he’s pleased to be back.

Mariota also spoke glowingly about new offensive coordinator David Blough, with whom he has worked for the past two seasons. He referred to Blough as ‘the perfect person’ for the role and the challenge. Mariota stressed continuity of the QB room over the change in the coaching staff, and minimized the difficulty of adapting to a new system.

“Culture and system”, he said, are most important. Everything else is secondary.

Asked what he learned from the tough 2025 season, Mariota said he learned more about himself as a leader, especially when he and other players didn’t quit when the season went south. He added that the adversity of 2025 will help Jayden Daniels become a better quarterback, and Mariota said it was “a privilege” to be a part of that and to help Jayden through it.

Asked about the departure of Kliff Kingsbury, he said that he “believes in” Kliff and his system. He also referred to Kliff as a mentor.

He wrapped up by saying that the ‘new guys coming in’ would love the coaches, the team and the organization.

All in all, it was a warm & fuzzy get together in which Marcus Mariota spoke mostly about the culture and fit with the Commanders.

LIVE: QB Marcus Mariota speaks to the media after re-signing https://t.co/Stsujg36Al

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) March 11, 2026

Returning to Washington, Marcus Mariota said, "For me personally, this is the best place to play football. The atmosphere that's created through DQ is one that I love being a part of."

And says, "The sky's the limit," for Jayden Daniels.

— David Harrison (@DHarrison82) March 11, 2026

Marcus Mariota said he explored his options, but said "I've been in a lot of places…this atmosphere is one I love being part of… no doubt I wanted to come back."

— John Keim (@john_keim) March 11, 2026

Marcus Mariota admitted he "definitely explored" other QB options around the league, but felt nothing was as right as being back here.

— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) March 11, 2026

The native Hawaiian acknowledged a preference for playing out West. But none of the scenarios offered trumped the vibes in Washington.

"QB rooms in this league aren't like this. I didn't want to pass that up."

— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) March 11, 2026

Mariota said he and his family would prefer to be out West – closer to home — but he likes being in Washington and that topped any desire to leave. "QB rooms in this league aren't like this. I didn't want to pass that up."

— John Keim (@john_keim) March 11, 2026

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