Marcus Mariota (8) has agreed to a contract with the Titans. Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Quarterback Marcus Mariota became the last 2015 first-round draft pick to reach a contract agreement, as the Tennessee Titans announced Tuesday that they made a deal with the reigning Heisman Trophy winner.
The move comes after negotiations stalled over Mariota’s refusal to accept so-called offset language in his contract. An offset clause gives the team a right to recoup guaranteed money if the player is released and signs with another team.
Terms of the deal weren’t announced, and it was unclear whether the contract includes offset language.
“We are glad to have the deal with Marcus done, and I’d like to thank both Marcus and his representatives for their diligence in working with us to finalize this contract,” Titans general manager Ruston Webster said in a statement. “We were confident that Marcus would be under contract before training camp, and we look forward to him starting his career on time with his teammates when we open camp next week. This is an exciting time for the Tennessee Titans’ organization, and we look forward to a bright future.”
Mariota said in a statement released by the team, “Thank you to the Tennessee Titans organization as well as my agent for making a dream come true. I am very grateful and honored to have this opportunity. I look forward to the future with my teammates, and I’m truly excited to be part of this team.”
Mariota was the No. 2 overall pick in the draft after completing a stellar career with the University of Oregon. Media projections put the expectation for his contract in the range of $21 million over four years.
In addition to the Heisman, Mariota captured the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm honors as the country’s top collegiate quarterback last fall, when he passed for 4,454 yards and 42 touchdowns as a redshirt junior. He also produced 770 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground. He earned the Maxwell Award and Player of the Year honors from the Associated Press and the Walter Camp Football Foundation.
The 6-foot-4, 222-pound Honolulu native led the nation with a 90.9 quarterback rating.
