5 free agents who would love to play for Steelers HC Mike Tomlin
By Tommy Jaggi
QB Marcus Mariota, Raiders
Mike Tomlin isn’t an offensive-minded coach, but that doesn’t mean that a player like Marcus Mariota would have no interest in coming to Pittsburgh. Several times throughout the offseason, Tomlin made it a point to emphasize the significance of mobility at the quarterback position in today’s NFL, and Mariota clearly fits the bill.
Tomlin has watched Mariota in the AFC for years now, and the former 2nd overall pick out of Oregon would love a chance to revive his fallen career with a head coach who will be willing to take a chance on him.
Mariota had an impressive season way back in 2016 when he earned 26 touchdowns and 9 interceptions to go with 7.6 yards per attempt and an additional 349 rushing yards and 2 scores on the ground, according to Pro Football Reference. Shortly after, however, he has drawn the short straw and Mariota has now spent the past three seasons as a backup.
Tomlin could offer Mariota the chance to start from the gate in 2022 and he would be a great fit to run Matt Canada’s offense. If all goes well, Mariota could make himself some nice money in the 2023 offseason.