Marcus Mariota Current NFL Salary and Contract Details
Marcus Mariota signed a two-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024, with a total value of approximately $16 million and an average annual salary of $8 million. The deal includes a $4 million signing bonus and guarantees around $10 million. His base salary for the 2024 season is $8 million, with a cap hit of roughly $8.5 million. Mariota remains one of the higher-paid backup quarterbacks in the NFL, reflecting his experience and pedigree as a former first overall pick. For the latest contract structure, see the Atlanta Falcons official roster page Atlanta Falcons Official Roster.
In the 2024 season, Mariota served primarily as a backup and short-yardage specialist, appearing in a limited number of snaps. His salary does not include significant performance bonuses, making his guaranteed money the core of his compensation. The Falcons structured the deal to provide flexibility while rewarding his leadership role. Mariota's salary ranks among the mid-tier for veteran quarterbacks who serve as clear number-two options behind a starter.
Marcus Mariota Career Earnings and Contract History
Marcus Mariota's career earnings exceed $100 million across his NFL contracts. His first major deal came in 2015 when the Tennessee Titans selected him second overall and signed him to a four-year, $100.6 million contract with $54.6 million guaranteed. That agreement made him one of the highest-paid rookies in NFL history at the time. He later signed a one-year, $16.6 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021, followed by a one-year, $7 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022 before joining the Falcons.
Through the 2024 season, Mariota has earned roughly $10 million in base salary for the current year. His cumulative career earnings place him among the top earners from the 2015 draft class. The guaranteed money across his career surpasses $70 million, providing financial security despite a career marked by injuries and roster changes. Mariota's earnings trajectory shows a shift from massive rookie guarantees to shorter, lower-risk deals in recent years.
Marcus Mariota Salary Compared to Other NFL Quarterbacks
Marcus Mariota's current $8 million average annual salary sits below top-tier starters like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Jalen Hurts, who earn well over $40 million per year. Compared to other backup quarterbacks, Mariota's pay aligns with veterans such as Tom Brady in his later backup years and Jimmy Garoppolo during his tenure with the Raiders. The salary reflects his role as a reliable veteran presence rather than a franchise cornerstone.
In the broader context of NFL quarterback pay, Mariota's earnings remain substantial relative to the league median. His contract guarantees and signing bonus provide a strong financial floor. Mariota's salary also benefits from his status as a former Heisman Trophy winner and a proven winner at both the college and NFL levels. His compensation package balances performance incentives with security, fitting the profile of a seasoned backup in today's NFL.