NFL Rumors: Marcus Mariota Linked to Raiders, Dolphins; Andy Dalton Eyed by Miami
As the NFL offseason heats up, several teams are eyeing veteran quarterbacks as potential backup options in free agency. The Miami Dolphins and Las Vegas Raiders are reportedly among the teams interested in signing experienced signal-callers to provide depth behind their starting quarterbacks.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Raiders and Dolphins are both considering Marcus Mariota as a potential backup option. Schefter noted that Mariota has a connection to the Raiders, as new head coach Pete Carroll recently hired Chip Kelly as his offensive coordinator. Kelly coached Mariota for two years at Oregon, which could give the Raiders an edge in pursuing the veteran quarterback.
However, Schefter also suggested that the Dolphins may have an advantage in the pursuit of Mariota due to his close relationship with starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The two quarterbacks have been friends for several years, and Mariota’s familiarity with the Dolphins’ offense and personnel could make him a more attractive option for the team.
Mariota spent the 2024 season as the backup quarterback for the Washington Commanders, appearing in three games and throwing for 364 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions. He also added a rushing touchdown, showcasing his versatility and athleticism.
If the Dolphins are unable to sign Mariota, they may turn their attention to another veteran quarterback, Andy Dalton. According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the Dolphins have been interested in Dalton for some time and explored trading for him after Tagovailoa suffered a concussion in September.
Dalton has been the backup quarterback for the Carolina Panthers for the past two seasons, appearing in six games with five starts in 2024. He threw for 989 yards, seven touchdowns, and six interceptions, but the Panthers were just 1-4 in games he started.
The Dolphins’ interest in Dalton is likely due to his experience and ability to provide a steady presence behind Tagovailoa. While Dalton may not be the most exciting option, he has a proven track record as a backup quarterback and could provide valuable depth for the Dolphins.
This year’s free-agent class of quarterbacks features a talented crop of players, including Sam Darnold, Justin Fields, Jameis Winston, and Russell Wilson. With so many options available, teams like the Dolphins and Raiders will have to carefully consider their options and decide which quarterback best fits their needs.
As the offseason continues to unfold, it will be interesting to see which quarterbacks ultimately sign with the Dolphins and Raiders. One thing is certain, however: both teams are committed to strengthening their quarterback depth charts and providing their starters with capable backups.
In the end, the pursuit of Mariota and Dalton is just the beginning of what promises to be a fascinating offseason for the Dolphins and Raiders. With so many talented quarterbacks available, both teams will have to be strategic and savvy in their pursuit of the perfect backup.
