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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota signed a two-year deal last offseason to be the starting quarterback for Arthur Smith, but his future with the team could be in doubt after a lackluster year. The team has an out on his contract as it was designed that way so they could move on should Mariota not perform well in 2022.
The former Heisman Trophy winner could be headed to his fourth team in 2023, but it's all up in the air right now.
How did Mariota play in 2022 and will he be cut by the Falcons this offseason?
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Marcus Mariota 2022 Season Review
In 13 games, Mariota completed 184 of his 300 passing attempts for 2,219 yards, 15 passing touchdowns, and nine interceptions. He added 85 rushing attempts for 438 yards and four rushing touchdowns. The team went 5-8 during his time as a starter and the passing game never hit its stride as the ceilings of tight end Kyle Pitts (when active) and wide receiver Drake London were never unlocked. Mariota was eventually benched and stepped away from the team.
With rookie Desmond Ridder under center, the Falcons went 2-2, as he threw two touchdowns to no interceptions in four games. Ridder wasn't necessarily better than Mariota, but the team fell from playoff contention and Falcons brass likely wanted to have a chance to evaluate the third-round rookie from Cincinnati.
Will The Falcons Cut Marcus Mariota?
Mariota (knee) is unlikely to be with the organization next season. The 29-year-old left the team after getting benched and underwent surgery on his knee. The Falcons would save $12 million by cutting Mariota before June 1st. That being said, it seems increasingly likely the Falcons will move on from Mariota.
The rebuilding Falcons will likely find another veteran to stick behind Ridder or take a swing on a quarterback in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. As for Mariota, he should be able to catch on as a backup elsewhere, but it's hard to believe he'll find a starting job to begin the 2023 season.
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