As he heads into the final year of his Tennessee Titans contract, quarterback Marcus Mariota insists staying healthy - and not an extension - is his main priority.
"There's certain circumstances, there's certain situations, there's certain decisions that have to be made based upon the business and you can't take that personal," Mariota said Monday (March 25), via KHON2: "You just have to be your best and no matter what, do what you can do and affect the things that you can control. And from there, let the dominoes fall where they may and see where you end up.
"No matter what, my number one goal is to get healthy," the fifth-year quarterback continued: "And from there just become a better football player and do my best to be my best when the season comes so we can win games... All that other stuff will take care of itself."
The interview doesn't suggest Mariota is involved in any serious contract negotiations with the Titans, and may have to prove himself to the team this year to get an extention. Despite his $20.9 million base-salary this year, the team recently signed former Dolphins starter Ryan Tannehill to a one-year deal worth up to $12 million. Whether a battle for the quarterback position ensues in training camp is yet to be seen, but Tannehill's presence will certainly push Mariota.
2019 is set to become a crucial year for the former second overall pick, whose numbers don't haven't lived up to his draft position. Since entering the league in 2015, Mariota is 27-28 as a stater while throwing for 12,004 yards, 69 touchdowns and 42 interceptions, per Pro Football Reference.
Whether health-related or not - Mariota missed three games at the end of last year with a nerve injury - the 25-year-old signal-caller will need some strong performances under new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith if he is to stay in Nashville. Failing that, the team my opt to see what Tannehill can offer.
COVER PHOTO: The Oregonian
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