6 Eagles Free Agents Most Likely to Walk This Offseason
By Randy Gurzi
3. Marcus Mariota, QB
After Shane Steichen took the head coaching job with the Indianapolis Colts, he signed Gardner Minshew, leaving the Eagles without a backup quarterback. It was fortunate for Indy since rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson was injured and missed the majority of the season. For Philadelphia, it meant they were without a player they had more than enough trust in to run the offense should Jalen Hurts miss any time.
To replace Minshew, the Eagles targeted someone who was once supposed to be the next big thing — and was tied to the franchise back in 2015. Marcus Mariota was a superstar for Oregon and his former head coach, Chip Kelly, was coaching the Eagles. There were rumors he wanted to do all he could to trade up for Mariota but couldn’t make it happen.
Mariota wound up with the Titans, who selected him second overall behind Jameis Winston. He was there for five seasons and led Tennessee to a record of 29-32 while battling bouts of inconsistency and nagging injuries.
Once he left Tennessee, Mariota had stints with the Raiders and Falcons and was even featured on the hit Netflix series, “Quarterback.” He signed this offseason with the Eagles, appearing in just three games. Mariota completed 15-of-23 attempts for 164 yards with a touchdown and an interception.
He didn’t do enough to warrant another contract though and is likely going to be looking for a new home again this offseason.