The Minnesota Vikings are actively searching for a new quarterback after parting ways with three players at the start of the new NFL year.
J.J. McCarthy now appears to be the clear frontrunner to start in Week 1 following the departures of Sam Darnold, Daniel Jones, and Nick Mullens, who joined the Seattle Seahawks, Indianapolis Colts, and Jacksonville Jaguars, respectively. However, after missing his rookie season due to injury, the 22-year-old McCarthy will need an experienced veteran backup, with Brett Rypien currently the only other quarterback under contract.
Several free-agent options remain available, and according to Darren Wolfson of KSTP on the March 11 edition of “SKOR North,” some within the Vikings organization have a particularly high opinion of one specific player.
Marcus Mariota Has Had Productive 10-Year NFL Career as Starter, Backup QB
Marcus Mariota began his career as a starter with the Tennessee Titans, who selected him as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. He held that role for four and a half seasons before transitioning primarily into a backup quarterback over the past five years, spending time with the Las Vegas Raiders (formerly Oakland), Philadelphia Eagles, and Washington Commanders. In 2022, he started 13 games for the Atlanta Falcons.
Overall, Mariota holds a 34-40 record as a starter, accumulating over 16,000 passing yards, 97 touchdowns, and 55 interceptions. Last season in Washington, he played in three games, completing 34 of 44 passes (77.3%) for 364 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions.
At 31 years old, Mariota has earned approximately $75.5 million throughout his 10-year career. According to Spotrac, his projected market value for a new one-year contract is $4.2 million.
