The Marcus Mariota experiment in Atlanta is officially over.
The Falcons released the quarterback after one year with the club, the team announced Tuesday morning.
“We really appreciate Marcus and all the things he did while he was here,” general manager Terry Fontenot said during his news conference at the NFL Scouting Combine. “Personally, professionally, great man. We’ve had great communication with both he and his agent Ryan Tollner throughout the process, and we just believe we’re doing what’s best for the team at this time.
“But appreciate him and what he did when he was here.”
Mariota signed with Atlanta last offseason following two years as a backup in Las Vegas.
Although the Falcons followed his addition with drafting Desmond Ridder in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the club afforded Mariota the opportunity to prove himself as more than a bridge starter to begin the season.
But the former No. 2 overall pick’s primary responsibility last season also seemingly boiled down to managing Atlanta’s run-heavy attack.
Mariota threw for 2,219 yards, 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions with a 61.3 completion percentage. He attempted 30-plus passes in just two contests and eclipsed 250 passing yards just once while going 5-8 in 13 starts.
One week after Atlanta benched Mariota in favor of Ridder, the 29-year-old went on injured reserve, where he would finish the season due to undergoing surgery for a chronic knee injury.
Mariota now enters free agency looking for his third team in three years and fourth club of his career, while the Falcons move forward with Ridder and whomever they add through free agency or the upcoming draft.
