In a stunning twist that nobody saw coming, a former Las Vegas Raiders quarterback has ended his long and quiet stint in free agency by signing with a legitimate playoff contender—and insiders say this signing could change everything.
Marcus Mariota, the former No. 2 overall pick and once-promising dual-threat quarterback, has agreed to terms with the Atlanta Falcons in a late-summer deal that has sparked instant buzz across the league. Yes, Mariota is back, and this time he’s not just riding the bench—sources indicate he’s expected to compete for meaningful snaps right out of the gate.
The Falcons, who narrowly missed the playoffs last season despite inconsistent quarterback play, have been searching for a reliable backup—or even a challenger—to Desmond Ridder. With their defense vastly improved and a talented offensive core that includes Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts, Atlanta’s front office clearly believes Mariota could be the veteran stabilizer they need for a postseason push.
What makes this story even more dramatic is the way Mariota’s career has unfolded since his time in Vegas. After a promising 2020 showing as a backup to Derek Carr, many believed he’d eventually earn a starting job somewhere else. But injuries and a disappointing stint in 2022 derailed that trajectory, and for months, Mariota’s name had all but vanished from league conversations.
Until now.
NFL insiders say Mariota has spent the offseason quietly grinding, getting his body right, and waiting for the right situation. With other backup options like Jameis Winston and Teddy Bridgewater finding homes earlier in the offseason, many believed Mariota’s career might be on life support. But this surprise deal with Atlanta has completely flipped the narrative.
Even more intriguing is the fact that the Falcons reportedly fended off interest from two other playoff hopefuls to secure Mariota’s signature. That’s how confident Atlanta is in his potential resurgence.
The move also raises questions about Ridder’s job security. Will Mariota push him in camp? Could the veteran end up starting by midseason if Ridder struggles early? Or is this just an insurance policy in a brutal NFC South that’s suddenly wide open?
Whatever the case, Mariota’s comeback arc just gained new life. And with a roster that’s quietly becoming one of the most balanced in the NFC, this could be the moment where his career finally turns the corner—or where everything falls apart once again.
Because when a former Raiders QB signs with a playoff team this late in the game… you just have to wonder what the Falcons are really planning to do with…..
