Mariota's recent NFL starter ranking sparks debate. Despite a checkered career, his surprising placement hints at untapped potential for a starting gig.
Does Marcus Mariota deserve another starting opportunity?
The Tennessee Titans envisioned Mariota as their franchise quarterback when they took him with the No. 2 pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. He lasted five seasons with the Titans before joining the Las Vegas Raiders as a backup quarterback to Derek Carr.
Mariota has gone 36-46 as a starter in the league. The former Oregon Ducks signal-caller appeared in 11 games and started eight games for the Washington Commanders when Jayden Daniels was ruled out for injuries.
Mariota went 2-6 with the Commanders, throwing for 1,695 yards, 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
His offensive coordinator, Kliff Kingsbury, mutually parted ways with Washington after the season before taking an unspecified job with the Los Angeles Rams.
In his rankings for quarterback after the season, Nick Shook of NFL Media ranked Mariota as a starter in the league at No. 29. He thought the quarterback did well amid injuries to key offensive players.
"Marcus Mariota started more games than anyone expected him to and performed admirably, producing consistent showings regardless of opponent or available weaponry," Shook wrote. "Washington would be wise to find a way to keep him in 2026."
It's a weak quarterback market this offseason. Many quarterback-needy teams won't find relief in a poorly graded draft class. With Aaron Rodgers' fate undecided, possible trade options appear to be Kyler Murray and Tua Tagovailoa.
Kirk Cousins might be a top free agent signal-caller.
Ouch.
Maybe Mariota could find a better situation to compete for a starting job next year than Washington.
Last season, the former Ducks star said he liked where he was with Washington despite having a losing record.
"I truly appreciate who this group is, and we just keep finding ways to get better," said Mariota. "It's hard to go two months without winning a football game. So many reasons for guys to not show up and play, and our guys found a way today."
If he stays in Washington, he'll be a valuable backup to Daniels. With Daniels healthy in 2026, Mariota has a chance to be on a playoff-caliber team next season.
Maybe the chance to win a championship is more important to Mariota than starting on a team with a bad situation.