Marcus Mariota Reveals New Number For Falcons
When Matt Ryan was traded to the Indianapolis Colts, there were questions as to who would take over at quarterback. And those questions were answered quickly.
The Falcons have signed former No. 2 pick Marcus Mariota. Mariota has ties with Falcons coach Arthur Smith having previously worked with him during their time with the Tennessee Titans.
He understands the job.
"Those are big shoes to fill, no doubt," Mariota said of replacing Ryan. "And I think for me, something I've definitely learned over the course of my career is you can't compare yourself to other people. What Matt did here, what he's accomplished here is truly greatness. And for me, I just got to kind of carve my own path."
Mariota, 28, spent the past two seasons as a backup with the Las Vegas Raiders. In 11 games, he threw for 230 yards and a touchdown.
Drafted out of Oregon in 2015, Mariota spent four-and-half seasons as the Titans starting quarterback before being benched for Ryan Tannehill. During his time as the team's starter, Mariota threw for 13,437 and 77 touchdowns against 45 interceptions. He posted a 29-32 record.
Mariota is set to wear No. 1 in Atlanta, a change from his No. 8 in Tennessee and Las Vegas, which is currently worn by tight end Kyle Pitts.
Trade talks for Ryan began last week when Atlanta reached out to the Houston Texans on the status of quarterback Deshaun Watson. Falcons' owner Arthur Blank and general manager Terry Fontenot met with the three-time Pro Bowler in Atlanta.
With the addition draft capital, Atlanta has three picks in the top 60 and five total in the top 100.
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Atlanta could still make quarterback an NFL Draft priority. Liberty's Malik Willis, a Georgia native, very well could be in play at the No. 8 pick, as could Pittsburgh's Kenny Pickett.
Pickett, a Heisman finalist in 2021, finished a career-best 4,319 yards and 45 touchdowns against seven interceptions. Willis, who is known for his mobility and deep ball velocity, thew for 2,857 and 27 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
But this is Mariota's team for now.
"No matter what the situation is,'' he said, "I gotta do my best to lead these guys and help these guys become the best of their abilities."
