While the majority of teams have undergone significant roster changes in recent hours, the Washington Commanders are no exception. With the aim of securing an experienced backup for Jayden Daniels, Marcus Mariota will continue alongside him heading into the upcoming season.
The news was reported by journalist Tom Pelissero via his X account, where he revealed the agreement reached by the veteran quarterback with Dan Quinn’s team. The deal is for one year, worth $7 million.
This way, the Commanders depth chart is now composed of Jayden Daniels, Marcus Mariota, and Sam Hartman. It’s worth noting that both Josh Johnson and Jeff Driskel are free agents, and their futures remain uncertain.
Mariota’s last season in Washington
In his final season with the Washington Commanders, Marcus Mariota filled a vital role as a reliable veteran presence. Across 11 games (8 starts) in 2025, he completed 61.2% of his passes for 1,695 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions, finishing with an 86.1 passer rating.
True to his dual-threat nature, he remained effective on the ground, adding 297 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown on 50 carries. His ability to step in and lead the offense provided much-needed stability, particularly in high-scoring efforts against the Raiders and Giants.
Another familiar face is back
The Commanders didn’t stay idle during this free agency and also moved to strengthen other areas of the team. According to Mike Garafolo on X, Tim Settle joins Washington on a three-year, $24 million deal, potentially worth up to $25.5 million.