NFL Rumors: Philadelphia Eagles Linked to QB Mariota

The Philadelphia Eagles' run-heavy approach at the quarterback position didn't come back to bite them in 2022, but they're apparently taking measures to protect themselves in the future. Per the Athletic's Bo Wulf, the team could target Marcus Mariota as a backup quarterback this offseason.

Though the turnover will be more significant on defense, the Eagles still have needs to address on the other side of the ball.

Solving the complicated No. 2 QB question is one of the most interesting challenges, @Bo_Wulf writes.

Does Marcus Mariota fit?https://t.co/4bjRLDaIsp
— The Athletic NFL (@TheAthleticNFL) March 7, 2023

Last year's Eagles backup Gardner Minshew is set to hit free agency, and Mariota presents a mobile skillset and frame that parallels starter Jalen Hurts. Hurts missed two games last season due to a combination of injury and rest; the Eagles lost both matchups, but they had already essentially wrapped up the top seed in the AFC.

Mariota unsurprisingly failed in his latest stint as a starter last year with the Atlanta Falcons, finishing with a 5-8 record while totalling 2219 passing yards and 438 rushing yards. He would be a solid (if likely expensive) option to mentor and relieve Hurts, whose contact-heavy play style may necessitate an unusually high-end backup.