Bedard: Hard Pass for Patriots on Marcus Mariota

The New England Patriots are stuck with one of the worst questions a team can be asked in the NFL; Who on earth is going to play quarterback next season?

Right now, nobody can say for certain. Marcus Mariota’s name has been tossed around as a possible answer. But NFL Insider Greg Bedard thinks Mariota is not the right guy for New England.

“From people that I’ve talked to around the league… the way he leads teams, which he doesn’t really, he sort of sits in the back,” Bedard said on The Greg Bedard Patriots Podcast with Nick Cattles. “I don’t think is really appealing to the Patriots.” 

Bedard also pointed out something in Mariota’s contract that could complicate matter even further. Essentially, Mariota is owed $10 million if he is a backup. He’d get $21 million as a starter. That’s a lot of money for a short-term quarterback when the team has so many other needs offensively. Plus, it doesn’t seem like Mariota is going to give up that deal.

“From what I’m hearing, at least from Mariota’s camp, is that they are not willing to play ball on a contract right now.” The asking price is just too high. “Are you willing to say ‘alright yeah we’re just gonna give you $21 million?’ I don’t think there’s many teams that are willing to do that. Certainly the Patriots are not one of those teams.” 

That pretty much sums it up. Bedard also listed other marks against Mariota: his injuries and losing the Titans job to Ryan Tannehill. While anything could happen, unless Mariota and his camp decide to agree to restructure that contract, it’s incredibly unlikely he’ll play quarterback for New England next season.