The Atlanta Falcons signed free-agent quarterback Marcus Mariota just a few hours after they traded Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts. This all happened on the heels of Atlanta’s failed attempt to trade for then-Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson.
So while Mariota is getting a fresh start with a team in need of a quarterback, he’s also facing the pressure of replacing a former league MVP. Not to mention, Mariota has rookie Desmond Ridder breathing down his neck. Ridder was considered a steal in the third round of the draft.
Mariota, the former second overall pick and Heisman Trophy award winner, sat behind Derek Carr in Las Vegas last season working on his craft and waiting for a chance to start again.