Things didn’t end in an ideal fashion for Marcus Mariota after five seasons with the Tennessee Titans. After a dreadful game against the Denver Broncos, the Titans pulled the plug on him and put in Ryan Tannehill. It was the moment that turned the season around for the Titans. They’d go on a run that peaked in the AFC Championship.
It sure seems like the Mariota era is over. I know there’s a contingent of Titans fans that, for some reason, think the team could and would bring him back. But, that ain’t happening, folks. Mariota’s already gone.
And, don’t get me wrong – I don’t think the way it ended is the way we should remember his tenure with the Titans. That guy still did a lot of good with the Titans, and he was an asset to the community.
He’s going to get another shot at starting in the NFL. The guy has a lot of talent, he doesn’t really turn the ball over, and his mobility gives teams a dynamic at the position that makes him more valuable. Rumors swirled for a long time that other personnel people in the NFL felt like the Titans never knew how to properly use Mariota. We’re about to find out just how true it is.
Let’s take a look at some potential landing spots that Mariota would either fit with, or some spots that are being discussed throughout the national media.
Chicago Bears
This seems to be the most talked-about potential destination for Mariota right now. It’d be a lot more likely if Mark Helfrich was still on the staff. I get it. Mitchell Trubisky was not all that hot in 2019. There are some serious questions about his longterm status as the Bears signal caller. Bringing in Mariota would push Trubisky, but I can’t imagine it would be much more than that for him. If any team provided him with the same opportunity that Tannehill had in Tennessee, it might be the Bears. I just don’t really know how successful Mariota would be in Chicago in another stagnant offense.
New Orleans Saints
This possibility might be the most intriguing to me. The New England Patriots are rumored to be gearing up for a run at Taysom Hill. Drew Brees might be retiring. Hell, the Saints might go from one of the best quarterback situations in the NFL to one of the least certain. Maybe Teddy Bridgewater is the guy, but you can’t tell me you watched how Sean Payton used Hill and don’t think that THAT is a guy who could get the most out of Marcus Mariota. Look at the weapons that offense has, too. He’d be throwing to the best receiver in football in Michael Thomas.
Las Vegas Raiders
I don’t think Derek Carr particularly played his way out of Las Vegas the way some do. I thought everything was going rather well with the Raiders, but the media is acting like it’s a foregone conclusion that Carr won’t be with the team. If Carr wasn’t successful enough with that offense, what makes anyone think Mariota would do better? I don’t see this one, folks.
Carolina Panthers
This is a really interesting offseason at the quarterback position. Cam Newton is another guy that people are writing out of his job already. Whether the Panthers think Newton is healthy enough to still go or not, Mariota would be a solid addition to this offense. If Newton’s health keeps him out of games, Mariota would be an excellent backup. I’d imagine Matt Rhule wouldn’t have to change too much putting Mariota in for Newton. This one could work.
Los Angeles Chargers
Is Tyrod Taylor going to be the guy for the Chargers? I’d say not. But, I’d expect the Chargers to draft their quarterback of the future this spring. Ultimately, would you rather have Tyrod Taylor or Marcus Mariota serving as the bridge to the new guy? I’d definitely say Mariota. Keenan Allen, Melvin Gordon, Mike Williams, Hunter Henry, and Austin Ekeler would probably make for the best set of weapons Mariota ever had.
New England Patriots
It’s interesting that the Pats are rumored to be very high on Taysom Hill. Maybe they’re looking for a quarterback they can use for a little bit of everything? Maybe they’re tired of watching Tom Brady run like a three-legged camel? Mariota could undoubtedly be used in similar fashion. Isn’t this every Titans fan’s worst nightmare, though? Mariota goes on to join the Pats and becomes THE GUY.
I’ve also seen the Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles, and Denver Broncos mentioned. Frank Reich and Doug Pederson are noted quarterback whisperers, but I think the Colts will draft a guy and ride it out with Jacoby Brissett. The Eagles aren’t going to divert from Carson Wentz just yet…and the Broncos probably saw all the Marcus Mariota they needed in that 16-0 win in 2019.
Gun to my head, my money’s on New Orleans.
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, Nashville, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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