Mettenberger Ignites Trade Value in Solid Preseason Performance

Ever since the Titans drafted Marcus Mariota with the second overall pick, Zach Mettenbergers name has been on the trade block, with little to no interest shown. In his second preseason performance of the 2015 season, sophomore quarterback Mettenberger showed he’s got what it takes. Completing five of his nine passes with excellent accuracy and zip, the former sixth round pick will have several teams picking up the phone and giving the Titans a call.

ESPN’s Louis Riddick jumped on the trade machine yesterday, immediately listing five teams that should be taking a close look at Mettenberger.

The Texans have now become somewhat irrelevant on the trade front, naming Brian Hoyer their starting quarterback this morning. The Jets and Bills are probably the most intriguing options, considering none of their current options are particularly flashy. Not that Zach Mettenberger shines like Elvis on a Nashville stage, but he’s at least proven himself.

Most point to Tyrod Taylor winning the Bill’s job at this point. EJ Manuel has officially been slapped with the bust tag and Matt Cassel was considered washed up years ago. A fifth round pick is peanuts for the Bills, and worth the risk for a team looking to make noise after pulling off major offseason moves.

The Jets circus continues to spin, with or without its ring leader. Bryce Petty is at least two years away from making a solid impact, while Ryan Fitzpatrick is far from consistent on his own end. Like Buffalo, sending a fifth round pick to the Titans for Mettenberger could easily be done.

If the Titans were smart, they’d move Mettenberger today while his value is at its peak. The Titans are in a rebuilding mode, and getting as many draft assets as they can will only make that rebuild move smoother. Mettenberger is like a bond in the bank; his value can’t be used unless you cash it. It’s prime time to cash that bond for the Titans.

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