Washington Commanders to sign quarterback Marcus Mariota on one-year deal
The Washington Commanders are reportedly signing veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota to a one-year deal for the 2024 season, according to NFL insider Adam Schefter. The one-year deal will net Mariota at least $6 million but has a maximum value of $10 million.
During the 2023 season, the former Oregon star was with the Philadelphia Eagles. He made three game appearances, totaling 15 completions on 23 attempts for 164 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception.
Mariota had 2,219 yards, 15 touchdowns, nine interceptions and a 61.3% completion percentage with the Atlanta Falcons in 2022. Over the course of his tenures with the Titans, Raiders and Falcons, the former Oregon product accumulated 15,656 yards, 92 touchdowns, 54 interceptions and a 62.6% completion percentage.
The Commanders hired Dan Quinn as the new head coach this offseason. Mariota will join Quinn’s crew for at least one season, giving them a former Heisman Trophy winner and former first-round pick in the QB room.
Sam Darnold lands one-year deal with Vikings
Former Jets quarterback Sam Darnold is signing a similar one-year deal with the Vikings this week. He is inking for one-year, $10 million.
The former USC star, now 26, played his first three seasons with the Jets. He then spent two seasons with the Carolina Panthers, racking up a 4-7 record in 2021, then 4-2 in 2022. He joined the San Francisco 49ers for 2023 on a one-year deal for $4.5 million. Darnold served as a backup QB to Brock Purdy during the 2023 season as the team made a run in the playoffs.
More on the 2024 NFL offseason, free agency
The NFL 2024 calendar year begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 13. At that time, contracts running through 2023 officially run out, making those players free agents. Prior to the beginning of free agency, teams will have a chance to designate one franchise or transition tag player, starting on Feb. 20 at 4 p.m. ET and ending on March 5. Beginning March 11 through March 13 teams can enter into a legal negotiation with players who will become unrestricted free agents.
In addition to NFL free agency, the new year also marks the beginning of all trades being made official by the league office. April 19 marks the deadline to sign restricted free agents to offer sheets. On April 24, the deadline for teams to match restricted free agent offers sheets hits. Following the restricted free agent deadline follows the 2024 NFL Draft, which runs from April 25-27.