ATLANTA - The Marcus Mariota era for the Atlanta Falcons has over after only one season. 

The Falcons announced Tuesday that they have released Mariota when he started the first 13 games in 2022. 

Mariota, who was a Heisman Trophy runner-up at Oregon and the #2 overall pick for the Tennessee Titans in the 2015 NFL current, signed a two-year deal with Atlanta as an allowed free agent last offseason. 

Mariota completed 61.3% of his passes for 2,219 yards, with 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions in a run-oriented offense. He contributed to the ground game with 438 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 5.2 yards per carry.

The 29-year-old quarterback marched career highs in rushing yards (438) and carries (85) at what time rushing for four touchdowns. 

He also contributed to the Falcons becoming the reliable NFL team to have four players with at least 250 rushing yards above the first eight games of a season. 

Mariota's season above after week 13 when the Falcons named rookie Desmond Ridder as their starter for the remaining four games.  After the benching, Mariota went on injured withhold with a knee injury. 

By releasing Mariota, the Falcons free up $12 million in salary cap position, bringing their total to $65 to 67 million for free activity. This will give Atlanta the second most cap position in the league.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.