Falcons Rumors: Marcus Mariota Expected to be Pursued After Matt Ryan Trade

The Atlanta Falcons reportedly traded Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts for a 2022 third-round pick on Monday, per multiple reports, leaving the team in search of a new quarterback. 

That search, however, may not last long.

According to Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network, Marcus Mariota is on Atlanta's radar. Per that report, "Sources say Atlanta is expected to pursue a reunion with Mariota and Arthur Smith, who was with Mariota during his time with the Tennessee Titans."

So in the span of a week, the Falcons went from losing out on Deshaun Watson to trading Ryan, incurring the largest dead cap hit in NFL history and potentially signing a player like Mariota, who has largely served as a backup for the past three seasons.

Not exactly a banner moment for the franchise. 

Mariota, 28, was the No. 2 overall pick of the Tennessee Titans in the 2015 NFL draft. His best season came in 2016, when he threw for career highs in yards (3,426) and touchdowns (26) while throwing just nine interceptions and completing 61.2 percent of his passes. He also rushed for 349 yards and two scores that season. 

But he never reached those heights again and eventually lost his starting gig to Ryan Tannehill in 2019. He spent the last two seasons serving as Derek Carr's backup in Las Vegas. 

Outside of Mariota, Atlanta's choices were further narrowed after free agent Jameis Winston reportedly chose to return to the New Orleans Saints on Monday:

So Atlanta's options will come down to signing Mariota, working out a trade for either Baker Mayfield or Jimmy Garoppolo or addressing the position in the draft, where they hold the No. 8 overall pick. 

Incoming rookies like Malik Willis, Kenny Pickett, Matt Corral and Sam Howell could be under consideration with that selection.