Marcus Mariota is ready to compete for the Atlanta Falcons' starting quarterback job next season.
"There is nothing guaranteed," Mariota told team reporter Steve Wyche. "This is just an opportunity. I feel like I have never been handed anything, and I'm excited for this."
The Falcons needed a new signal-caller after trading away former MVP Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts this offseason in exchange for a 2022 third-round pick. The deal occurred after Atlanta fell short in its attempt to acquire Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans.
Mariota signed a two-year, $18.75-million contract with the Falcons in free agency, per Spotrac. The deal reunited him with head coach Arthur Smith, who worked as an assistant with the Tennessee Titans when Mariota was there.
The Hawaii native saw limited playing time serving as Derek Carr's backup with the Las Vegas Raiders after joining the club as a free agent in 2020.
Mariota started 61 games from 2015-19, passing for 13,207 yards and 76 touchdowns with a 62.9% completion percentage. He also ran for 1,399 yards and 11 scores.
Feleipe Franks is currently the only other passer on the Falcons' roster.
Mariota understands that the franchise could still add another quarterback with the No. 8 overall selection in this month's draft. The former second overall pick says he's employing a "control what I can control" mindset toward the situation.
"If they do draft someone, I'll give as much advice and knowledge as I can. If not, I'm ready to roll," he said.
