For the first time since 2007, a quarterback not named Matt Ryan will start the season for the Falcons. Just like in 2007 when the team moved on from Michael Vick, Atlanta will look to another former Oregon QB in Marcus Mariota.
The former No. 2 overall pick signed a two-year, $18.75 million contract with the Falcons on the same day that Ryan was traded to Indianapolis.
Looking a bit closer at the deal may reveal Atlanta’s offseason strategy, though. Mariota is getting $6.75 million in guaranteed money (which includes his $5 million signing bonus and his $1.75 million base salary for 2022).
His contract was constructed in a way that gives the Falcons an easy out in 2023. Despite Mariota being due a base salary of $9 million and a $3 million roster bonus, neither is guaranteed. Mariota’s only guaranteed money in 2023 is a $2.5 million prorated bonus, as you can see below.
| Year | Base | Pro. Bonus | Ros. Bonus | Guarantee | Cap Hit | Dead Money | |
| 2022 | $1,750,000 | $2,500,000 | — | $1,750,000 | $4,250,000 | $6,750,000 | |
| 2023 | $9,000,000 | $2,500,00 | $3,000,000 | — | $14,500,000 | $2,500,000 | |
| Total | $10,750,000 | $5,000,000 | $3,000,000 | $1,750,000 | $18,750,000 | ||
Looking at it this way, the Falcons almost certainly view Mariota as a stop gap and not a long-term answer at the QB position. And honestly, unless the team drafts really well, the roster isn’t set up for Mariota to have any kind of success this season.
This could mean that the team is eyeing one of the top quarterback prospects from this year’s draft class, and could use one of their top picks on a new signal-caller. If a quarterback is selected, then Mariota’s team friendly deal would allow the Falcons the option to have an honest quarterback competition. Preferably, Mariota would take the snaps early on into the season, if not the entire season, giving the rookie some time to sit and learn.
It’s important to note that while we view Mariota as a bridge option, if he plays well this season, there’s no reason he can’t stick around. Mariota is just 28 years old and we saw Arthur Smith turn another top-10 pick, Ryan Tannehill, into a Pro Bowl-caliber player in Tennessee.
QB Marcus Mariota has arrived‼️ pic.twitter.com/ndQ0bdQf79
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) March 25, 2022
Friday morning, Mariota made his way to Flowery Branch for the first time as the Falcons quarterback. As a starter, Mariota has a 29-32 record and a completion percentage of 62.9. However, Mariota did have three consecutive seasons (2017-2019) where he had a winning record in Tennessee.
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