NFL Trade Machine: Titans Should Not Hoard Zach Mettenberger

Nov 17, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Zach Mettenberger (7) throws a pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Regardless of the contract situation with Marcus Mariota, it’s plain enough to everybody that the kid is the future of that franchise and barring a huge meltdown, will be starting Week 1 of the regular season.

PAC-12 teams know.
The @Titans are learning.

That rookie QB? He can hit ANY receiver: http://t.co/vHCIMaith8 pic.twitter.com/0699APD0Bm
— NFL (@NFL) July 6, 2015

That opens the door for making a decision on what to do with Zach Mettenberger. The former 6th round pick started six games for the Titans in 2014 and though he wasn’t able to win any, he didn’t play too poorly, posting 1,412 yards with eight touchdowns and seven interceptions. Time has shown Mettenberger can be a character (see J.J. Watt Twitter feud) but he’s confident, fearless and has a skill set that can make it in the pros at 6’5″ with a big arm.

If the casual fans know this much, rest assured the rest of the league does too which is why Tennessee would be remiss if they simply held onto him. Part of it may be lingering doubts with Mariota and part of it desire for more depth at the position, but in all likelihood his value will never be higher than it is. It’s not a crazy thought that the Titans could pull out a 4th round pick for him via an NFL trade, which would come out as a considerable profit given the 6th they spent to get him.

Given the landscape of the quarterback position elsewhere, it’s not a stretch to think at least one team would be willing to spent a mid round pick to give Mettenberger a shot at the starting job on their roster. The Cleveland Browns can’t be comfortable with just Josh McCown and Johnny Manziel. Rex Ryan and the Buffalo Bills are anxiously seeking any options they can find at the position. Even the Washington Redskins may start their search for somebody beyond Robert Griffin III.

All it takes is for Tennessee to open the door.

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