2018 is a contract year for Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota. His initial deal was for four years and a total of $24.2 million, and that four years is about to run up. But, that deal Jimmy G just signed in San Francisco could be a game changer for the entire quarterback market. I imagine Mariota’s agent was incredibly happy to see $137 million go to a guy who’s only started a handful of games. So, if I’m the Titans, I’m looking at that deal and wondering what it’s going to do for the market and where Mariota fits in it.
The book on Mariota in 2017 says he took a step back. The eye test would suggest an obvious regression. But, there are a ton of factors that contributed to that perception. For one, the play-calling was pretty bland and unimaginative. Mike Mularkey and Terry Robiskie aren’t coaching the Titans in large part because of the offense’s lack of progression. But, Mariota was also recovering from an injury that some have argued made him a little tentative on the field. And, yeah, sure – he did miss some throws, too. Like I said, a combination of factors.
But, the stats beneath the stats are encouraging – Pro Football Focus had him ranked as the most efficient play action quarterback in the NFL this season. Hell, he can even throw touchdowns to himself as evidenced in the playoff game in Kansas City. And, the bottom line is that Mariota still has a wealth of potential.
The big thing to weigh is whether or not his 2017 was bad enough to actually drive his price down. And, if a strong 2018 showing would drive it up enough in comparison. I don’t think anything he did this season will drive his price down. He’s a bona fide starter in the NFL.
I believe in Mariota, but I do think he’s cheaper now than he would be in the future. Of course, there’s the risk that 2017 was just the beginning of his decline. But, there’s no real evidence that that’s a certainty. I say go on ahead and begin the negotiations. Get the cornerstone of your franchise locked down before he goes out in 2018 and lights the league up and demands that handsome Jimmy G money.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Alabama Crimson Tide football, the WWE, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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