Backup quarterback Marcus Mariota, a previous Heisman Trophy winner and No. 2 overall choice, was part of Daniels’ support system, serving as his backup and part-time tutor throughout a historic season.
In 2024, the Commanders overvalued Mariota by roughly half, signing him to a one-year, $6 million contract that served as more of an insurance policy in case Daniels couldn’t handle being the starter. Mariota may be able to obtain that amount, if not more, elsewhere by 2025. In that case, the Commanders should ensure that the next backup is a veteran presence, like Mariota was.
Veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who played 2024 as Matthew Stafford’s backup for the Los Angeles Rams on a 1-year, $3.1 million contract, is one cost-effective option the Commanders should explore. Garoppolo’s predicted market value in 2025 is likely to be another one-year, $3 million contract.
According to The Athletic’s 2025 NFL free agency rankings, Garoppolo is here not because of his on-field performance (he played in one game, a 30-25 loss, and went 27 of 41 for 334 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception), but because of his position and the value put on dependable backups. Sean McVay will give him a promotion after he backed up star quarterback Matthew Stafford this season.
Garoppolo during Journeyman Stage of Career
Garoppolo, 33, is nearing the end of his career after earning $151.7 million over the course of a decade as a starter for three separate clubs.
Garoppolo was selected in the second round (No. 62 overall) by the New England Patriots in the 2014 NFL draft out of Eastern Illinois after winning the Walter Payton Award as the outstanding FCS player in 2013. He played four seasons with the Patriots, winning two Super Bowls as Tom Brady’s backup, before being traded to the San Francisco 49ers midway through the 2017 season.
Garoppolo finished 5-0 as a 49ers starter at the end of the 2017 season and signed a 5-year, $137.5 million contract deal with the team in February 2018. He tore his ACL three games into the 2018 season, but came back to start every game in 2019 and lead the 49ers to the Super Bowl. He signed a three-year, $72.75 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders in March 2023, but was dismissed a year later.
Mariota Could Be A Perfect Fit in the AFC East.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter said Mariota will be a top target for the Miami Dolphins, who are searching for a backup quarterback to injured starter Tua Tagovailoa.
In an unexpected twist, Tagovailoa and Mariota attended the same high school football program: prep powerhouse Saint Louis School in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Daniels, Mariota, and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, who passed down a possible head coaching offer to return in 2025, led the Commanders to their finest season in over 30 years.
To keep Mariota, the Commanders’ best bet might be to offer him the same contract he had in 2024.
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