Marcus Mariota teams timeline: Full history of QB's NFL career, from Titans No. 2 overall pick to Commanders backup

Dan Treacy

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Marcus Mariota teams timeline: Full history of QB's NFL career, from Titans No. 2 overall pick to Commanders backup image

Marcus Mariota entered the 2015 NFL Draft fresh off one the most statistically dominant seasons in college football history, riding 57 total touchdowns and just four interceptions to Heisman Trophy honors.

The Titans, who had Mariota fall into their lap after the Buccaneers selected fellow Heisman winner Jameis Winston at No. 1 overall, believed they had their franchise quarterback. A stellar NFL debut only validated their belief.

Now, however, Mariota might be more associated with the "journeyman" label than any particular team. While he has a playoff win to his name, Mariota has struggled to stick as an NFL starter since his days with the Titans came to an end.

Here's a complete look at Mariota's career timeline, from Tennessee to Washington.

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Marcus Mariota teams timeline

Tennessee Titans (2015-2018)

Mariota was considered the Titans' likely selection at No. 2 overall throughout the pre-draft process in 2015, and Tennessee made it official after Tampa Bay selected Winston with the top pick.

Mariota outdueled Winston in Week 1, posting a perfect passer rating in his NFL debut, but the Titans predictably struggled throughout the rest of the season and Mariota himself missed four games due to injury. 

The Oregon product turned in his best statistical season in 2016, posting a winning record over 15 starts with 26 touchdown passes to nine interceptions, but he struggled in 2017 even as Tennessee snapped a long playoff drought and advanced to the divisional round with Mariota under center.

After an inconclusive 2018 season, Mariota remained the Titans' starter ahead of 2019 with some veteran insurance behind him in Ryan Tannehill. Mike Vrabel benched Mariota for Tannehill after a 2-4 start to the season, and Tannehill played at a near-MVP level the rest of the way to claim the job on a full-time basis before taking Tennessee to the AFC championship game.

With Tannehill in tow, the Titans let Mariota hit free agency at the end of his rookie contract in the spring of 2020.

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Las Vegas Raiders (2020-2021)

Mariota joined the Raiders as a backup to Derek Carr in 2020, in a disappointing career turn for a player who had been considered a potential franchise quarterback just a couple of years earlier. He never started a game with the Raiders, attempting only 30 passes in relief of Carr.

Atlanta Falcons (2022)

On the same day the Falcons traded longtime quarterback Matt Ryan to the Colts, Mariota signed a two-year deal to join Atlanta as the team's likely starter. Mariota earned the job but was unsteady, dropping the first two games of the season and never quite breaking through like the Falcons hoped he would.

After 13 games, Mariota was benched for rookie Desmond Ridder. He finished 5-8 with 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions in his one season in Atlanta.

Philadelphia Eagles (2023)

Seeking a dual-threat backup who could better fit the offense behind Jalen Hurts, the Eagles signed Mariota to a one-year deal ahead of the 2023 season. Mariota was used sparingly, attempting 23 passes and never starting a game while a healthy Jalen Hurts remained under center. Philadelphia suffered a late-season collapse and fired offensive coordinator Brian Johnson; Mariota would go in a different direction as well in free agency.

Washington Commanders (2024-present)

Mariota was the top quarterback on the Commanders' depth chart when he signed with Washington in 2024, though the franchise was widely expected to select a quarterback with the No. 2 overall pick in the spring.

The Commanders made it official when they drafted Jayden Daniels, leaving Mariota as a veteran mentor off the bench. Daniels made every start, but Mariota impressed in two relief appearances, throwing four touchdowns without an interception and leading the Commanders to a Week 18 win over the Cowboys once the coaching staff decided to rest Daniels for the playoffs. Mariota re-signed with the Commanders after the season, returning to the backup role for 2025.

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Marcus Mariota career stats

SeasonTeamStartsRecordComp. rateYardsTDINT
2015Titans123-962.2%2,8181910
2016Titans158-761.2%3,426269
2017Titans159-662.0%3,2321315
2018Titans147-668.9%2,528118
2019Titans62-459.4%1,20372
2020Raiders0 60.7%22611
2021Raiders0 50.0%400
2022Falcons135-861.3%2,219159
2023Eagles0 65.2%16411
2024Commanders0 77.3%36440
Career 7434-4063.0%16,1849755

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Marcus Mariota NFL highlights

Mariota's signature NFL moment is likely his touchdown pass to himself in a comeback playoff win over the Kansas City Chiefs.

While his tenure as the Falcons' starter was brief, Mariota had a special moment here with a 75-yard touchdown pass against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Mariota flashed his mobility even in year 10 when he took over for a resting Jayden Daniels in Week 18 of the 2024 season and led the Commanders to a win.

Dan Treacy

Dan Treacy is a content producer for Sporting News, joining in 2022 after graduating from Boston University. He founded @allsportsnews on Instagram in 2012 and has written for Lineups and Yardbarker.