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Will Marcus Mariota again be the Washington Commanders' backup quarterback in 2026?
Mariota has played admirably and sometimes quite well when filling in for starter Jayden Daniels in 2024 and 2025. But there might be a very reasonable opportunity for Mariota, explaining why he has yet to re-sign with the Commanders.
But first, why wouldn't the Commanders want Mariota to return for 2026? Hasn't he already worked under new offensive coordinator David Blough the last two seasons? Hasn't he already worked with Daniels in 2024 and 2025?
Then again, can you blame Mariota if he might like to start again? But there are opportunities that could mean Mariota, wanting to start one last time, may have to go to struggling teams like the Jets, Dolphins, Browns, or Cardinals. The quarterback position is very uncertain for those teams.
That's all true; however, there are a couple of NFL teams that need a temporary starter. So, can't you see those coaches thinking that if we can get a Mariota until our starter is healed and ready to go, that might get us a few more wins than a young, untested backup would have to play? It would be an opportunity to start for teams better than the Jets, Dolphins, Browns and Cardinals have been in recent seasons.
Daniel Jones (Colts) and Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs) both went down late in the season with serious injuries that will take considerable time to heal and return them to health. Might Mariota want to start temporarily for a team that could still be a playoff team next season until Jones and Mahomes return to action?
The Jets or the Browns? Why would Mariota, at his age, at this stage of his career, desire to go to either of these teams? The Dolphins? Well, their front office may actually prefer to play a young quarterback and unofficially be in "tanking" mode for next season's draft. They are already going to be quite limited in spending because of Tua Tagovailoa's huge cap hit.
Might Mariota say, he still enjoys his role of mentor to Jayden Daniels? Is Mariota comfortable with David Blough making the jump to offensive coordinator so soon in his NFL coaching career? If so, Mariota will no doubt be welcomed back to Washington.
If Mariota leaves, then who is the Commanders 2026 backup quarterback? More on that tomorrow.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Where will Marcus Mariota play in 2026?
Continue reading...
Mariota has played admirably and sometimes quite well when filling in for starter Jayden Daniels in 2024 and 2025. But there might be a very reasonable opportunity for Mariota, explaining why he has yet to re-sign with the Commanders.
But first, why wouldn't the Commanders want Mariota to return for 2026? Hasn't he already worked under new offensive coordinator David Blough the last two seasons? Hasn't he already worked with Daniels in 2024 and 2025?
Then again, can you blame Mariota if he might like to start again? But there are opportunities that could mean Mariota, wanting to start one last time, may have to go to struggling teams like the Jets, Dolphins, Browns, or Cardinals. The quarterback position is very uncertain for those teams.
That's all true; however, there are a couple of NFL teams that need a temporary starter. So, can't you see those coaches thinking that if we can get a Mariota until our starter is healed and ready to go, that might get us a few more wins than a young, untested backup would have to play? It would be an opportunity to start for teams better than the Jets, Dolphins, Browns and Cardinals have been in recent seasons.
Daniel Jones (Colts) and Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs) both went down late in the season with serious injuries that will take considerable time to heal and return them to health. Might Mariota want to start temporarily for a team that could still be a playoff team next season until Jones and Mahomes return to action?
The Jets or the Browns? Why would Mariota, at his age, at this stage of his career, desire to go to either of these teams? The Dolphins? Well, their front office may actually prefer to play a young quarterback and unofficially be in "tanking" mode for next season's draft. They are already going to be quite limited in spending because of Tua Tagovailoa's huge cap hit.
Might Mariota say, he still enjoys his role of mentor to Jayden Daniels? Is Mariota comfortable with David Blough making the jump to offensive coordinator so soon in his NFL coaching career? If so, Mariota will no doubt be welcomed back to Washington.
If Mariota leaves, then who is the Commanders 2026 backup quarterback? More on that tomorrow.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Where will Marcus Mariota play in 2026?
Continue reading...
