Marcus Mariota opens up on signing with Philadelphia Eagles, helping Jalen Hurts
Marcus Mariota signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency, but did so knowing he’d back up MVP finalist Jalen Hurts.
The former Oregon Heisman Trophy winner and No. 2 overall pick bounced around the league since his time with the Tennessee Titans. But, he is at peace knowing he’s with Philadelphia and taking on a new role after being pulled and injuries with the Atlanta Falcons in 2022.
Mariota opened up on his new NFL home for this coming season.
“My role is just to provide information and just share experiences.” Mariota said, via the Eagles’ team site. “I just really believe that I can relate with a lot of guys and be able to just continue to build that chemistry in the locker room, be a voice, and make an impact any way that I can …
“I think specifically for the quarterback position – ups and downs, you’re going to face those throughout your career. Just being a guy for Jalen and being a resource any way that I can to hopefully make him better and make the team better.”
Mariota signed a one-year, $5 million deal worth up to $8 million, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Last year, Mariota had 2,219 yards, 15 touchdowns, nine interceptions and a 61.3% completion percentage. Over the course of his career with the Titans, Raiders and Falcons, the former Oregon product has 15,656 yards, 92 touchdowns, 54 interceptions and a 62.6% completion percentage.
Mariota was linked to the Eagles back in 2015 when his former college coach, Chip Kelly, was the head coach in Philadelphia. The quarterback went No. 2 to the Titans after the team declined a trade up offer from the Eagles. Ironically, it all came full circle for Mariota and the Eagles.
In three years at Oregon, Mariota had 10,796 yards, 105 touchdowns, 14 interceptions, a 66.8% completion percentage, 2,237 rushing yards and 29 rushing touchdowns.
As a member of the Class of 2011, Mariota was a three-star recruit out of Honolulu (Hi.) St. Louis School, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 2 overall prospect in the state, the No. 40 quarterback in the class and the No. 537 overall prospect in the class.