Atlanta Falcons Release Former Oregon Quarterback Marcus Mariota

Marcus Mariota signed with the Falcons as a stop-gap after the team traded Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts this past offseason.

Max Torres | Feb 28, 2023

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The Falcons announced on Tuesday that they have released former Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota, ending his time in Atlanta after just one season.

We have released QB Marcus Mariota
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) February 28, 2023

The Falcons signed Mariota to a two-year deal in March of 2022. Tuesday's roster move is expected to save the team an estimated $12 million in salary cap according to OvertheCap.com.

Mariota signed with the Falcons last season after the team dealt Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts. The move to Atlanta reunited him with head coach Arthur Smith, who had served as his offensive coordinator during his time with the Tennessee Titans--the team that drafted him No. 2 overall in the 2015 NFL Draft.

He started 13 games in 2022, leading the Falcons to a 5-8 record and throwing 2,219 yards, 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions, completing 61.3% of his passes. Mariota was benched for Desmond Ritter later in the season, who the Falcons took with the No. 74 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota (1) throws against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. — Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota (1) throws against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Washington Commanders defensive end Montez Sweat (90) and Commanders defensive end Casey Toohill (95) sack Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota (1) at FedExField. — Washington Commanders defensive end Montez Sweat (90) and Commanders defensive end Casey Toohill (95) sack Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota (1) at FedExField / © Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Prior to playing for the Falcons Mariota served as Derek Carr's primary backup on the Las Vegas Raiders for two seasons.

It could be tough for Mariota to find a starting job in 2023, as he's entering year nine of his NFL career without much to show for it. However, there are plenty of teams that will likely be in search of a capable backup.

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Published Feb 28, 2023

MAX TORRES

Max Torres is the publisher and lead editor of Ducks Digest. He's covered the Oregon football and recruiting beats for four years. He's based out of Long Beach, CA and travels around Southern California and the country covering top high school football prospects.