Falcons cut QB Marcus Mariota, who started 13 games for them last season

A team that needs an experienced veteran backup has another option available.

Marcus Mariota was cut by the Atlanta Falcons, the team said Monday. Mariota started 13 games for the Falcons but didn't establish himself in the team's long-term plans, and the Falcons made it clear they will be adding to a quarterbacks room currently led by second-year player Desmond Ridder.

"We appreciate Marcus ... ultimately, we’re going to add to the [quarterback] position,” Fontenot said at the NFL scouting combine, via Scott Bair of the team's site.

Mariota hadn't had a chance to be a regular starter since 2019, when he was with the Tennessee Titans. The chance with the Falcons wasn't a great one, but it might have been his last opportunity to enter a season as a team's starter. The Falcons had a bad supporting cast and were looking ahead to a more permanent solution at QB, and Mariota didn't succeed in that environment. He had 15 touchdowns, nine interceptions and an 88.2 passer rating. He was benched for Ridder late in the season.

Mariota will turn 30 in the 2023 season and will be a priority backup on the market. The Falcons have the eighth pick of the draft, could be active in the trade or free-agent market and also have Ridder, who was a third-round pick last year. The Falcons will be reshaping their quarterback position in the offseason. Mariota won't be part of those plans.