Falcons Release Marcus Mariota

Falcons Release Marcus Mariota

In a move that surprises no one, the Atlanta Falcons are releasing veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota. The former Oregon product essentially quit on the team last year so this is a move that’s been trending this way for a while. Mariota is gone and the Falcons will look for a new veteran signal caller to either start or mentor Desmond Ridder.

The team itself was actually the first to report the news. Maybe that tells you how ready this organization was to move in another direction. Head coach Arthur Smith is probably thrilled today!

“INDIANAPOLIS, IN. — The Falcons have parted ways with Marcus Mariota, the organization announced on Tuesday.”

“Mariota signed a two-year deal with the Falcons last offseason. According to OverTheCap.com, the Falcons will save roughly $12 million in salary cap space with Mariota off the roster. Considering Mariota’s $2.5 million dead money hit, the move would bring the Falcons total cap space over the $65 million mark. The new league year begins on March 15.”

Arthur Blank LOVES Desmond Ridder

The Marcus Mariota experiment was always going to be a disaster. After trading Matt Ryan (who was washed at that point), it felt like the only reason to bring Mariota in house was in an effort to tank. Mariota, 29, threw for 2,219 yards, 15 touchdowns, and nine interceptions in 13 games a year ago.

As you can see from the article embedded above, it really does seem like the Falcons are all in on Desmond Ridder. That’s coming straight from ownership too. Time will tell if that changes. However, unless an established veteran option presents itself, it looks like the job is Ridder’s to lose.