The Falcons have released Marcus Mariota, the team announced Tuesday, ending the veteran quarterback’s run with the team after just one season.
Mariota signed a two-year deal with Atlanta last offseason, but the franchise will save approximately $12 million in salary cap space following his release, according to OverTheCap.com. The Falcons, who already had the second-most cap space in the league heading into free agency, will now have approximately $65 million in total cap space to use this offseason.
Mariota, who began his career with the Titans and also had a two-year stint with the Raiders, started Atlanta’s first 13 games last season. He threw for 2,219 yards, 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions, while posting a 5–8 record, but was ultimately benched after the Falcons’ bye week for rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder.
