The Commanders aren’t waiting until next month’s 2024 NFL Draft to address their quarterback needs.
Washington has agreed to a one-year contract with veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Tuesday, with the deal holding a base value of $6 million and an “upside to $10 million.”
The addition of Mariota, the second overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, comes after a shaky second season from quarterback Sam Howell, who arrived in Washington just two years ago as a fifth-round pick out of North Carolina.
Named the starter during training camp, Howell appeared in 17 games for the Commanders but was relieved at points near the end of last season by Jacoby Brissett, who agreed to join the Patriots on a one-year deal Monday as NFL free agency got underway.
Howell finished the 2023 season by throwing for 3,946 yards, 21 touchdowns and 21 interceptions, a league-high.
The Commanders finished last in the NFC East at 4-13 and subsequently dismissed head coach Ron Rivera after his fourth year at the helm.
Former Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn was hired as his replacement in February.
Mariota, who played for the Titans, Raiders, Falcons and most recently, the Eagles, isn’t expected to be the only quarterback the Commanders will add this offseason.
As the owner of the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, it’s widely believed Washington will select one of the top quarterback prospects following the Bears at No. 1, with Chicago projected to take USC standout Caleb Williams.
The NFL legal tampering period is here. The Post has a full recap of all the biggest deals agreed to from the start of NFL free agency.
Early mock drafts indicate North Carolina’s Drake Maye or LSU’s Jayden Daniels could potenitally land in Washington.
No matter who suits up for the Commanders on Week 1, the quarterback will have a shiny new toy to play with.
Star running back Austin Ekeler agreed to a two-year deal worth up to $11.43 million on Monday, per reports.
He spent the past seven years with the Chargers, with whom he signed as an undrafted free agent out of Western Colorado in 2017.
Earlier this month, the Commanders also agreed to terms with tight end Zach Ertz, reuniting the former Cardinal with his one-time head coach, new Washington offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.
