Who Should I Start? Kirk Cousins or Marcus Mariota

Wednesday, March 13, 8:49 PM

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (Achilles) said his recovery from a torn right Achilles that he suffering on Oct. 29 (Week 8) has been progressing "up and to the right." He also said that he's "optimistic to be full speed at practice" before the team breaks for summer in June. It's quite the optimistic statement from the 35-year-old veteran, but even if he's not quite full-go at the end of the team's offseason program, Cousins should be able to take part in training camp at the end of July. It's especially important since Cousins will be learning a new offense in Atlanta and trying to gel with his new receivers. The talent surrounding him shouldn't be a problem, as he'll have Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts to work with. Fantasy managers should be more considered about an aging QB coming off a serious injury.

Tuesday, March 12, 11:07 AM

Free-agent quarterback Marcus Mariota is signing a one-year, $6 million deal worth up to $10 million, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The former No. 2 overall pick in 2015 is set to join his fifth team after five years with the Tennessee Titans, two years with the Las Vegas Raiders, and one year a piece with the Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles. In 90 games (74 starts), Mariota has passed for 15,820 yards, 93 touchdowns, and 55 interceptions. He's added over 2,000 yards and 17 scores on the ground. He's set to join a quarterback room that already has Sam Howell, and the Commanders are likely to take a quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft with the No. 2 overall pick. That said, Mariota will likely be competing for the backup job, though some teams choose to start a veteran early in the season as they ease a rookie into action. Mariota slightly enters the two-QB and Superflex league fantasy radar for 2024.