While it’s still too early to speculate, Washington Commanders backup quarterback Marcus Mariota could be auditioning for a new role for next season. According to reports, Mariota is reportedly “ready to go” if the expectation is that Jayden Daniels can’t play in the upcoming Week 3 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. This stems from the injury that Daniels suffered against the Green Bay Packers last week, and he got an MRI to check on the severity of the knee. After not practicing for the past two days this week, it’s safe to say that Mariota might be starting against the Raiders, which puts him in the best position to get a possible opportunity elsewhere, as he will become a free agent next year.
Originally selected in the 2014 NFL Draft, the former Oregon product won’t be taking Daniels’ job as the Commanders are building their future around him. This might be the last opportunity for Mariota to show teams across the league that need a quarterback that he’s still a viable signal-caller in the league. At age 31, it’s easy to understand that he’s past his prime after leading the Tennessee Titans to three consecutive winning seasons from 2016-2018. Since the Commanders are playing their cards smartly, Mariota might take this to his advantage, which he did in the regular season finale against the Dallas Cowboys last year, and he could have one last shot to prove that he’s capable.
Former NFL First-Round Pick Marcus Mariota Could Be “Auditioning” For New Role – 3 Other Possible Fits
Potential Destinations
Carolina Panthers
Depending on how the next three games go for the Carolina Panthers, the team might find themselves in a situation to find a new quarterback in the trade market. Signal-caller Bryce Young hasn’t been the most impressive these past two weeks, and while it’s still early, it does not look good for this offense that had a lot of momentum this past offseason. The Panthers have the right weapons for Young to thrive, along with a strong run game, so this will be up to him if he can truly excel and turn into an adequate long-term starter for Carolina.
They do have veteran Andy Dalton as their backup, but he’s more of a bridge quarterback. The Panthers would be better off trying to find a way to get Mariota under contract to somehow save their team, while they will probably have to look for their future quarterback in next year’s draft.
Cleveland Browns
Meanwhile, it’s nothing new for the Cleveland Browns this season. To no one’s surprise, the team is 0-2 and veteran Joe Flacco isn’t playing up to the Browns’ expectations. Head coach Kevin Stefanski does not plan to switch quarterbacks, but that could all change if they continue to lose. While they have Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel waiting on the right opportunity, along with Deshaun Watson, they could make the shocking move of trading for Mariota.
Cincinnati Bengals
However, the season might be over for the Bengals this year. This doesn’t mean they shouldn’t look to trade for an adequate veteran quarterback to give them a fighting chance. With Joe Burrow gone for three months, Mariota is obviously the upgrade over Jake Browning and Brett Rypien, so he could get the Bengals at least close to a postseason appearance.
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