In 2015, the Tennessee Titans drafted Marcus Mariota No. 2 overall to serve as their long-term franchise quarterback, replacing the likes of Jake Locker, Charlie Whitehurst, and Zach Mettenberger. After peaking in 2016, his career has nosedived. As a result, Mariota’s spent the past two seasons as a little-used gadget player with the Las Vegas Raiders. Now a free agent, and still only 28 years old, could Mariota return fantasy football value in the right landing spot? Let’s look at three optimal teams for the still-promising talent.
Are the Indianapolis Colts a legit landing spot for Marcus Mariota?
The Colts are on the verge of securing their fifth starting QB in five seasons. After Andrew Luck’s shocking preseason retirement in 2018, Indy has remained playoff viable despite rolling with Jacoby Brissett in 2019 (when they started 6-4), a nearly retired Philip Rivers in 2020 (finishing 11-5), and playmaker-turned-game-manager Carson Wentz in 2021 (going 9-6 before their January collapse).
Anchored by an elite running game, ascending No. 1 receiver, and situationally capable defense, the Colts arguably are one good QB away from returning to the postseason. While we can question Mariota’s talents at this stage of his career, realistically, he would be comparable to every post-Luck quarterback the Colts have thrown onto the field. And his dual-threat abilities (1,574 career rushing yards) would make him a great fit in a run-friendly offense.
Could Mariota land in Green Bay if Aaron Rodgers retires?
If Aaron Rodgers retires or bolts for a new team, Mariota could provide immediate stability to an offense accustomed to high outputs. That’s not to say Mariota could keep this offense humming even close to full capacity, particularly if Davante Adams doesn’t stick around. But faced with the prospects of starting Jordan Love or Mariota, the Packers presumably would prefer to give the veteran first dibs.
With Mariota and Adams, the Packers would be somewhat comparable to the Colts. Yet, perhaps with a better defense, one-notch-below-elite running game, and some similar question marks at receiver. Thanks to Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon, Mariota would be a game manager at worst. At best, he’d be a mid-range QB2. For fantasy managers, that’s not too bad if you’re in a 2QB league or seeking a streamer.
The Steelers will likely be in the market for a veteran QB
If you’d replaced Ben Roethlisberger’s failing arm strength and sloth-like immobility with Mariota in 2021, perhaps the Steelers could have won one more game to claim the AFC North title over the Bengals. We can return to Mariota’s rushing prowess and envision how he could add a much-needed element to an already promising offense.
Heading into 2022, Pittsburgh doesn’t need a rookie QB. Diontae Johnson and JuJu Smith-Schuster are 25. Najee Harris, Chase Claypool, and Pat Freiermuth are 23. At worst, Mariota could function as a glorified Mason Rudolph, posting top 16-20 fantasy QB numbers. At best, he could return to his prime 2016 form. That season, Mariota compiled 28 total TDs while throwing only 9 picks.
That Tennessee team included prime DeMarco Murray and pre-prime Derrick Henry in the backfield. In addition, they had a receiver group led by Rishard Matthews, Tajae Sharpe, Kendall Wright, as well as TE Delanie Walker.
And that pretty much sums up the question marks surrounding Mariota. He’s never quarterbacked a team with a strong running game and receiving corps. If he lands in the right spot this offseason, he could replicate 2016’s production … or better.