NFL Trade Machine: The Zach Mettenberger Market

Nov 17, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Zach Mettenberger (7) passes against Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison (92) during the first half at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

The Tennessee Titans will insist they have no NFL trade ideas in mind for second-year quarterback Zach Mettenberger, even as the arrival of Marcus Mariota virtually guarantees he goes nowhere else but the bench.

They’ll talk about competition and all that stuff, but the bottom line is the most value they have in him is as a trade chip. Sure, they could choose to hang on to him as a backup just in case but like any other business, the NFL is about buying commodities low and selling them high.

Mettenberger is still very young, has pro-caliber talent and six games of starting experience under his belt. Teams have taken ventures on less. It’s not crazy to think the Titans could squeeze at least a 5th round pick for him (he was drafted with a 6th). Probably more if the right buyer comes along.

So which teams bear watching the most?

Cleveland Browns

Mike Pettine insists the team will move forward with Josh McCown as the starter and Johnny Manziel as backup who will learn from him. Whether either of them is cut out to be a starter at the NFL level is worth questioning. McCown has been a career backup while Manziel flamed out badly in his first chance at starting and still has questions dogging him about his size and work ethic. A third option like Mettenberger makes logical sense at the right price.

San Diego Chargers

They weren’t able to get Marcus Mariota as so many theorized they would try to. Philip Rivers will remain with the San Diego Chargers, but it doesn’t erase the fact that he’s 34-years old and they have nobody on the roster who can be considered a long-term option. Mettenberger is built much in the same way: big, not really mobile but good in the pocket, strong arm to get it down the field. Mike McCoy has done more with less.

Arizona Cardinals

Bruce Arians will be on the hunt for any quarterback he can grab after what happened last year with Carson Palmer and Drew Stanton both going down with injuries. Logan Thomas showed little in his brief appearances as well. Palmer is getting older and Stanton has a backup ceiling. Mettenberger is also a type Arians like from the size to the big arm to throw it down the field. After what he accomplished with Ben Roethlisberger in Pittsburgh, this is not a big stretch at all.

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