The Washington Commanders are reportedly bringing back their backup quarterback with a new deal for veteran Marcus Mariota
The Washington Commanders now have their backup quarterback vacancy filled with a reunion now official.
Quarterback Marcus Mariota is re-signing with the Commanders on a one year deal worth $7 million and can reach $11 million in incentives. Tom Pelissero was first to report on the news.
Mariota proved to be an integral piece of the Commanders' identity in 2025 after proving to repeat as the team's starting quarterback while Jayden Daniels battled injuries throughout his second season with the organization.
Mariota started in eight games in 2025 and appeared in 11 after completing 139 of his 227 pass attempts - 61.2% completion percentage - while throwing for just under 1,700 yards and ten touchdowns to seven interceptions. He completed 70% of his passes in three games, though threw for over 250 yards just once in a 27-26 overtime loss against the Denver Broncos back on Nov. 30.
In his first season with Washington, Mariota appeared in three games in 2024 where he completing over 77% of his passes and threw for 364 yards and four touchdowns to zero interceptions.
Mariota spent the first five seasons of his NFL career with the Tennessee Titans before stints with the Las Vegas Raiders, Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles prior to his time with the Commanders.
This marks the third consecutive offseason that Mariota has re-signed with the Commanders on a one-year deal, providing stability to the quarterback room alongside Jayden Daniels.
"I think what we do such a good job of here is create reps for everybody, whether that's mental reps through walkthroughs, practice reps," Mariota said ahead of his start against the Miami Dolphins in Madrid. "So regardless of who's coming in, I trust every single one of those guys. A lot of guys have stepped up and made huge plays. So, the more that we just continue to function as an offense, eliminate some of the negative stuff, whether it's pre-snap turnovers, our guys outside will find ways to make plays and I believe in those guys services."
Mariota becomes the third bit of news for the Commanders on day one of the legal tampering period after news broke of a two-year deal for left tackle Laremy Tunsil, ending one of the biggest question marks left to address this offseason. The team also reportedly signed former Detroit Lions cornerback Amik Robertson on board where he will team up with Trey Amos and Mike Sainristil to elevate the unit in 2026 with the expectation that he takes over the slot.