The Atlanta Falcons didn’t wait long to find their next quarterback.
On Monday, the franchise traded long-time starter Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts for a 2022 third-round pick, per Adam Schefter, Diana Russini, and Chris Mortensen of ESPN. Later in the day, they signed a possible replacement in a reclamation projection.
According to Schefter, Atlanta agreed to a two-year deal with Marcus Mariota.
Falcons announced they have agreed to terms on a two-year contract with QB Marcus Mariota, who reunites with HC Arthur Smith.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 21, 2022
Drafted with the second pick in 2015, the Heisman Trophy winner never quite took off with the Tennessee Titans. During his fifth season, Tennessee benched Mariota for Ryan Tannehill. The former Oregon star left Tennessee with 7.5 yards per pass attempt and an 89.5 quarterback rating.
Over the last two years, Mariota attempted just 30 passes for the Las Vegas Raiders. The 28-year-old will presumably get another chance to earn and maintain a starting job in Atlanta.
Falcons head coach Arthur Smith worked with Mariota as Tennessee’s offensive coordinator in 2019. While that season ended with Tannehill taking the Titans to the AFC Championship Game, Smith nevertheless is ready to give Mariota another shot.
Mariota will join a desolate roster that saw Russell Gage sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Calvin Ridley get suspended for at least the entire 2022 season for gambling on NFL games. He might be a mere bridge option until Atlanta drafts a future cornerstone next year, but Mariota was the best free agent on the market after the lone person selected above him in 2015, Jameis Winston, reportedly re-signed with the New Orleans Saints.
The post The Falcons Have Already Signed Their New Quarterback appeared first on The Spun.