Report: Vikings Eyeing Marcus Mariota as Veteran Backup for J.J. McCarthy
The Minnesota Vikings are officially in search of a new quarterback after parting ways with three signal-callers at the start of the NFL’s new league year.
With Sam Darnold, Daniel Jones, and Nick Mullens signing elsewhere, 22-year-old J.J. McCarthy is now the overwhelming favorite to start in Week 1. However, McCarthy—whose rookie season was lost to injury—needs a reliable veteran backup, and Brett Rypien is currently the only other quarterback under contract.
According to Darren Wolfson of KSTP, some within the Vikings’ front office have long been fans of Marcus Mariota, making him a strong candidate to fill the backup role.
Mariota Brings Experience as Both Starter and Backup
A former No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, Mariota spent the first four and a half seasons of his career as the Tennessee Titans’ starting quarterback. Over the past five seasons, he has served primarily as a backup with the Raiders, Eagles, and Commanders, while also starting 13 games for the Falcons in 2022.
Overall, Mariota holds a 34-40 record as a starter, with more than 16,000 passing yards, 97 touchdowns, and 55 interceptions. Last season in Washington, he appeared in three games, completing 77.3% of his passes for 364 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions.
At 31 years old, Mariota has earned roughly $75.5 million over his career, and Spotrac projects his market value at $4.2 million for a one-year deal.
Vikings See Mariota as Ideal Fit Behind McCarthy
While Mariota has never been a franchise-altering quarterback, he aligns with what Minnesota appears to be seeking in a veteran backup.
He provides experience and mentorship for McCarthy, can step in if needed, but isn’t seen as a long-term threat to the young quarterback’s role. With head coach Kevin O’Connell having shown an ability to compete with journeyman quarterbacks like Mullens and Joshua Dobbs last season, Mariota could be a serviceable option if called upon in 2025.
Additionally, his expected contract would be a cost-effective move for Minnesota, which has McCarthy on a rookie deal through at least 2027. With significant investments already made on both the offensive and defensive lines, keeping spending low at quarterback could allow the team to address other key areas, particularly in the secondary.