The Atlanta Falcons announced Tuesday they have released quarterback Marcus Mariota, a move that will save them $12 million on the salary cap and signal a new day at the position.
The Falcons hold the No. 8 pick in the 2023 NFL draft, where quarterbacks like Alabama’s Bryce Young and Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud likely will be the first off the board. Others like Florida’s Anthony Richardson and Kentucky’s Will Levis are also considered top QB prospects.
The Falcons also have 2022 third-round pick Desmond Ridder on the roster. He was was 2-2 as Atlanta’s starter with two touchdowns, no interceptions and a 49.6 quarterback rating in the final four games last season.
“We’re always going to leave every door open,” Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot said at the NFL scouting combine on Tuesday.
“So, draft, free agency, whether it’s the No. 8 pick in the draft or whether it’s at some other point in the draft, we could definitely bring in another quarterback.”
It’s Year 3 for Fontenot and Falcons coach Arthur Smith, who were both hired in 2021 but have been unable to fortify the quarterback position during their tenures with the franchise.
During the 2021 NFL draft, the Falcons used the No. 4 pick on tight end Kyle Pitts, while quarterbacks Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson and Trey Lance came off the board with the first three picks. Two other quarterbacks in Justin Fields and Mac Jones went later in the first round.
Longtime Falcons starter Matt Ryan played his final season with Smith in 2021 before being traded to the Indianapolis Colts.
In entered Mariota, the 2014 Heisman Trophy winner out of Oregon, who started the first 13 games for the Falcons last season before being benched for Ridder.
Mariota was 5-8, with the Atlanta offense failing to score more than 17 points in six of his starts.
Mariota had just three games with at least 200 yards passing during his time as Falcons starter. He completed 61.3% of his passes for 2,219 yards, with 15 touchdowns, nine interceptions and an 88.2 passer rating.
Last week, Netflix and the NFL announced a documentary that would feature Mariota’s season with the Falcons, along with Chiefs Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes and Vikings starter Kirk Cousins set to premiere this summer.