Aging backup facing uncertain future after poor 2-6 start in eight games; high salary may prompt change.

Marcus Mariota returns for third season as Jayden Daniels' backup but faces uncertain future with Washington. Generally viewed as one of the better QB2s in the league, Mariota has seen far more game action than most would prefer. In 2025, he started eight games with a 2-6 record as team was decimated by injuries; his play deteriorated over the course of the season with questionable decision-making in Miami game in London. Turning 33 years old in October and still commanding one of the highest backup quarterback salaries in the league, Washington may look to go in another direction in 2027. Positive note: came into final game of 2024 season to guide team in comeback win versus Cowboys and clinched 6th seed in NFC playoffs with last-second throw to Terry McLaurin; also took over for injured Daniels in 2024 matchup versus Carolina Panthers and led team to 40-7 victory.