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.

While high-profile names like Deebo Samuel and Bobby Wagner draw the most headlines, their potential exit represents a broader strategy. The front office must decide if these veterans are still the right fit for a team seeking a younger identity.

Beyond the stars, some futures highlight a looming void in veteran leadership. With significant cap space available but few players under contract, every decision made this winter will reshape the NFL team’s long-term foundation.

Washington Commanders free agents in 2026

The current roster construction reflects a calculated gamble by Adam Peters, who filled critical gaps with seasoned veterans on short-term deals. While this approach provided immediate stability for a developing squad, the sheer volume of expiring contracts creates a massive logistical challenge.

With over 22 players potentially hitting the open market, the Commanders must now decide which of these mentors have outlived their utility and which remain essential for the locker room culture.

Financial flexibility remains the team’s greatest asset, as Washington enters the offseason with one of the most significant salary cap surpluses in the league. This “clean slate” allows the front office to move away from stopgap solutions like Austin Ekeler or Von Miller, who provided veteran presence at a high cost.

Next weekend’s visit to MetLife Stadium to face the Giants will take place without Daniels on the field, as the head coach himself confirmed to the media. Although there was no structural or bone damage in his elbow, the Commanders’ medical staff recommended holding him out in the short term and reassessing his situation next week.

Now, the question many are asking is whether the QB will actually return to action this season or if, on the contrary, his snaps for the remaining games are already over. Quinn chose to be cautious on the matter.

“As far as what decisions are ahead, we haven’t gone down that road,” the head coach Quinn said, via JP Finlay of NBC 4 Washington. “He’s working really hard to get back with the guys.”

What injury is Daniels dealing with?

Commanders QB Jayden Daniels suffered a dislocated left elbow late in the fourth quarter of the team’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks on November 2, 2025. The injury occurred when Daniels was sacked and landed awkwardly, attempting to brace his fall with his non-throwing arm, which caused the elbow to bend in an unnatural way. Initial reports later confirmed the dislocation, although X-rays came back negative for fractures.

Mariota set to start again in Washington

Marcus Mariota has put together a mixed season with the Commanders, showcasing some flashes of potential alongside struggles with turnovers. So far, he has recorded 1,389 passing yards and thrown 9 touchdowns, but has also been intercepted 7 times. His overall performance is reflected by a 55.2 Quarterback Rating (QBR), indicating a campaign marked by inconsistency.

What’s next for the Commanders?

The Washington Commanders face a challenging upcoming schedule dominated by NFC East rivals. Their next stretch of games includes a road trip to face the Giants, followed by back-to-back home games against the Eagles and the Cowboys. They will conclude this divisional run with a final road contest against the Eagles.

The game is significant because even though the Commanders enter Week 13 with a poor 3-8 record, the Broncos arrive on a formidable eight-game winning streak. Daniels’ presence on the field would have been crucial in trying to end that streak.

Compounding this, the Commanders are currently on a losing streak. While a playoff push is highly improbable, they need a couple more victories to avoid finishing the season with an abysmal record. Mariota is expected to contribute at least one win; the team currently sits last in the NFC East.

When could Daniels return to play?

According to one of the latest reports, there is a probability that Daniels could return for Week 14, a scenario mentioned by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. The insider indicated that the quarterback’s return is a “realistic possibility.”

Daniels himself spoke about his status on November 25, offering an unclear date for his exact return: “If I’m back out there and I’m healthy and ready to go, I want to be out there.”

How has Mariota fared recently replacing Daniels?

In the last two games where Mariota had to step in for Daniels (against the Lions and Marlins), he has unfortunately not been able to lead the Commanders to a win. However, he has managed to throw three touchdowns and only one interception. While these are not elite stats, the Commanders’ offensive line has been disastrous this year.

Unfortunately for Dan Quinn, this key game will have to be played without his biggest star, as Jayden Daniels has once again been ruled out due to the hamstring injury he suffered back in Week 7 against the Cowboys. That means Marcus Mariota will get the start under center for the Commanders.

Week 8 of this NFL season shapes up as a pivotal one for Washington, as the Eagles have slowly started to pull away from their NFC East rivals. Any further slip-up could seriously jeopardize the Commanders’ hopes of staying in the hunt for a potential wild card spot.

The other piece of bad news for Quinn’s team is that standing across from them will be none other than Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs — perennial title contenders in recent years and home to one of the most explosive offenses in the league.

What injury is keeping Jayden Daniels out?

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has been officially ruled out for the highly anticipated Monday Night Football matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs due to a hamstring injury.

Daniels, the reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, suffered a low-grade strain in the third quarter of Washington’s Week 7 loss to the Dallas Cowboys this past Sunday. The injury occurred after Daniels was sacked and fumbled, immediately grabbing the back of his right leg as he limped off the field.

Although the injury is not considered long-term, the Commanders are taking a cautious approach, paving the way for veteran backup Marcus Mariota to make his third start of the season.

How much do the Commanders lose without Daniels?

Without starting quarterback Jayden Daniels, the Commanders’ offense takes a significant statistical hit. Daniels, who has a 97.7 passer rating this season, eight touchdowns, and averages 206.2 passing yards per game, is replaced by Marcus Mariota, whose rating dips to 85.8 with just three passing touchdowns and two interceptions on fewer attempts.

Furthermore, the team is 2-3 in Daniels’ starts compared to a 1-1 mark in Mariota’s two relief starts, highlighting the drop in play-making ability and overall offensive stability the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year brings to the field.

Unfortunately for Dan Quinn’s squad, their star player and top offensive weapon won’t be seeing the field this week once again. Daniels is still recovering from the knee injury he suffered back in Week 2, and he’s officially ruled out.

The news was confirmed on the Commanders’ official website, where the team also announced that Marcus Mariota will get the start for the second straight week.

“The Washington Commanders have ruled quarterback Jayden Daniels out for the second straight week, meaning backup Marcus Mariota will start against the Atlanta Falcons.”

“Daniels, who has been dealing with a knee injury since the Week 2 matchup against the Green Bay Packers, returned to practice in a limited capacity this week. He was seen working through individual drills on Wednesday and Thursday but was not on the field during the portion of Friday’s practice that was open to the media.”

What’s keeping Jayden Daniels off the field?

The Washington Commanders‘ offense will once again be without its dynamic signal-caller, Jayden Daniels, as the quarterback continues to deal with a nagging knee sprain. Daniels sustained the injury—a sprain to his left knee—during a pivotal moment in the Week 2 matchup against the Green Bay Packers.

While he initially attempted to play through the pain, the team’s medical staff has opted for caution, holding the dual-threat QB out of the lineup until his mobility is fully restored, prioritizing his long-term health.

What’s next for the Commanders?

With their sights set on staying in the hunt for the NFC East title, here’s a look at the upcoming matchups the Commanders will face this NFL season:

• @ Atlanta Falcons, September 28
• @ Los Angeles Chargers, October 5
• vs Chicago Bears, October 13
• @ Dallas Cowboys, October 19
• @ Kansas City Chiefs, October 27

The veteran Marcus Mariota, who was with the Commanders last season, has finally reached an agreement with the franchise and will continue playing in the NFC East for one more year.

The news was reported by NFL insider Tom Pelissero, who, through his X (formerly Twitter) account, provided more details about the agreement between the former Oregon Ducks player and one of the most promising franchises in the league.

“Veteran QB Marcus Mariota is re-signing with the #Commanders on a one-year, $8 million deal, per sources. Other teams tried to lure Mariota away. But he loves Washington, where he’s back to back up Jayden Daniels.”

As reported by the insider, Mariota had the opportunity to explore new horizons, as several teams had inquired about him. However, the former Raiders and Titans quarterback will remain in Washington for one more year.

Quinn adds another reinforcement to his Commanders

Last season, the Commanders were a pleasant surprise in the NFL, but they now want to go from being a promise to a reality. To achieve this, and amid free agency, Dan Quinn’s team continues to strengthen its roster to become a serious contender in the NFC.

The latest news reports the arrival of defensive lineman Eddie Goldman to Washington, coming from the Atlanta Falcons.

The news was reported by NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, through his official X (formerly Twitter) account @JFowlerESPN: “DL Eddie Goldman headed to the #Commanders on a one-year deal, per source.”

Netflix premiered this morning one of its most anticipated football titles to date. The documentary-style series managed to surpass productions such as Last Chance U and Break Point, consolidating itself as one of the most watched in the United States.

The story follows three of the NFL‘s best-known athletes as they invite viewers into their homes and how they have been leading up to the 2022-23 season. The docu-series has a total of eight episodes so far.

Only one season has been announced, but it is to be expected that the platform will confirm a second part after a certain amount of time. Especially after seeing the success and the amount of views it has accumulated.

Quarterback is the most watched docu-series on the Netflix US

Quarterback was added to the Netflix catalog during the early hours of Wednesday, July 12 and since then it has been one of the most chosen by users, reaching a place in the top 10.

Patrick Mahomes, Kirk Cousins and Marcus Mariota are the protagonists of the first season and the episodes contain interviews, games and many other interesting moments in the lives of sports stars.

“Go inside the huddle and into the homes of Patrick Mahomes, Kirk Cousins, and Marcus Mariota in this candid docuseries following their 2022-23 NFL season”, describes the official synopsis of the streaming service’s original project

However, there’s been some important moves after the Super Bowl for the Eagles. Jason Kelce,Darius Slay andFletcher Cox finally agreed to stay with the team, but, some players are out such as Javon Hargrave or Garnder Minshew. This last move, Minshew signing for the Indianapolis Colts, creates a problem for Philadelphia’s offense in their depth chart.

So, in the start of free agency, the Eagles had no time to lose. As the San Francisco 49ers proved last season, a backup quarterback might be crucial during a Super Bowl run if the starter gets injured. Read here to find out the new and shocking name arriving to Philadelphia.

Philadelphia Eagles sign new backup quarterback forJalen Hurts

Marcus Mariota is signing a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles to be the backup quarterback of Jalen Hurts. After Gardner Minshew decided to play for the Indianapolis Colts looking for a shot as a starter, the Eagles had to make a move as soon as possible. Mariota is the answer.

Last season, Marcus Mariota was seen as a solid transition quarterback in the post Matt Ryan era. Mariota threw for 2219 yards and 15 touchdowns but was eventually replaced by rookie quarterbackDesmond Ridder. A few days ago, he was released by the Atlanta Falcons.

Since being drafted by the Titans in 2015, Marcus Mariota was seen as a possible franchise quarterback, but, he hasn’t delivered after huge chances with Tennessee, the Las Vegas Raiders and, most recently, the Atlanta Falcons. This might be a good chance for redemption if needed.

Defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier is taking a year off from football, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds is leaving for the Chicago Bears, and veteran quarterback Case Keenum is going back to Houston to play for the Texans.

The 35-year-old’s departure is not meaningless, since it leaves a significant vacancy in the depth chart. With Keenum gone, the Bills will probably have to look for another backup toJosh Allen.

Potential backup QBs for Josh Allen at Bills

Even though Allen practically never leaves the field, you can never take anything for granted in this league. With many viable options in the open market, it would make sense if the Bills go after a veteran signal-caller capable of delivering resultsif needed.

Marcus Mariota

Marcus Mariota‘s best days are far behind him, but he couldbe useful asQB2. At 29, the former Falcons quarterback is no longer a starter but it’s safe to say that as a backup he might be able to stay in the league for many years.If something happens to Allen, Mariota can providemobility and enough experience to lead the offense.

Andy Dalton

Andy Dalton has somehow managed to start more games than predicted in the last few seasons, but it’s hard to see any opening for him that is not a backup jobat this point. After his last year with the Saints, Buffalo may trust in him as an insurance for Allen.

Jacoby Brissett

Following his decent outings for the Browns during Deshaun Watson‘s absence last year, Jacoby Brissett shouldn’t be lacking in suitors this offseason. But a starting job may not be on the cards for him anymore, so it looks like the Bills would have to give him a reason to prefer being a backup in Buffalo than elsewhere.

The Los Angeles Rams are walking proof of that. It only took one year without Jared Goff for them to go the distance, and there’s a big reason why the San Francisco 49ers haven’t been able to get over the hump with Jimmy Garoppolo.

With that in mind, there could be multiple personnel changes in the next couple of weeks, at least in the most crucial position in the game. Here, we present you with 3 starting QBs who might lose their jobs.

NFL News: 3 Starting QBs Who May Lose Their Jobs

3. Baker Mayfield

Well, Baker Mayfield has already lost his job, but it was allegedly due to injury. He’s healthy enough to play on Sunday, and some insiders believe he’ll get another shot. However, he’ll have a short leash and they don’t exactly want him to succeed.

If anything, the Carolina Panthers could benefit from sitting Mayfield, as the Cleveland Browns would then get a less valuable pick. Also, Mayfield was terrible even when healthy, and his years as a starter should be over regardless.

2. Mac Jones

Mac Jones has done nothing to prove that he can be a starting QB going forward. He was carried by his defense in year one, and has regressed in his sophomore campaign. He’s not athletic, not fast, and doesn’t have the strongest arm.

Bill Belichick has already sent him a message by benching him for Bailey Zappe last week. He wasn’t much better, but he at least has explosive, big-play material and couldn’t do much worse than the Alabama product.

1. Marcus Mariota

The Atlanta Falcons are currently at the top of their division, but that’s nothing to be proud of. Moreover, the team’s game plan shows an evident lack of confidence in Marcus Mariota, as they’ve turned him into a check-down specialist who barely throws the football.

Mariota has been mostly bad throughout his career. But if the Falcons have no intention of letting him throw, then why not turn to rookie Desmond Ridder? That might as well be the case in the second half of the season.