How Commanders Signing Marcus Mariota Impacts Jayden Daniels vs. Drake Maye Draft Debate

Tasked with choosing between LSU's Jayden Daniels and North Carolina's Drake Maye in the NFL Draft, the Washington Commanders may have tipped their hand by signing quarterback Marcus Mariota in free agency.

The Washington Commanders added a new quarterback Tuesday, agreeing to a one-year contract worth up to $10 million with veteran journeyman Marcus Mariota.

On the surface, the signing is what it is - a deal that gives Washington a new backup quarterback for offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and further signals the departure of last year's starter, Sam Howell.

But dig deeper and the signing of Mariota leaves valuable hints about where the Commanders may be leaning in their debate over which signal caller to select at No. 2 overall in April's draft - LSU's Jayden Daniels or North Carolina's Drake Maye.

North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye and LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels / ClutchPoints

And according to NBC Sports Washington insider JP Finlay, those hints favor Daniels.

"Signing Mariota sure seems like a sign Washington is leaning towards Jayden Daniels," Finlay tweeted.

Teams often acquire backups with similar skill sets to their starter so if an injury occurs, the offense won't need to change much schematically.

In this case, with the addition of a rookie quarterback, the backup needs to be a veteran mentor who can effuse wisdom. Having a mirrored skill set only helps, as the veteran knows the challenges the rookie will face.

Enter Mariota - and succinctly enter Daniels.

The reigning Heisman Trophy winner, Daniels was one of college football's best rushing quarterbacks in 2023, recording 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground while averaging 8.4 yards per attempt.

Maye is no slouch as a runner - he rushed 1,147 yards and 16 touchdowns in his two seasons as a start - but Daniels brings a different gear and different level of playmaking.

Mariota's built an image as a mobile quarterback, and he served as Jalen Hurts' backup with the Philadelphia Eagles last season; Hurts averaged over 35 yards per game on the ground in 2023, third most in the NFL.

The No. 2 overall pick in 2015, Mariota was thrown into the fire by the Tennessee Titans. He knows the daunting task that awaits the Commanders' impending selection, which makes him particularly valuable as a leader.

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In essence, Washington landed a strong backup quarterback - and simultaneously signaled a lean towards Daniels as the draft grows closer.