Zach Mettenberger, a player the Vikings were reportedly interested in before the 2014 draft, has been cut by the Tennessee Titans.
Zach Mettenberger is a tall, big-armed young man who would be perfect for Norv Turner’s system. At least that was what we were told before the 2014 draft when the Vikings reportedly had interest in the QB.
When that draft rolled around the Vikings took Teddy Bridgewater in the first round, and Zach Mettenberger ended up going to the Tennessee Titans in the sixth.
On Monday, Mettenberger’s tenure with the Titans came to an end when he was waived by the team.
So, the big-armed quarterback who supposedly was perfect for Turner’s system is now on the market. If the Vikings want to bring in Mettenberger and see what he can do, they are free to do so.
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A few things to note about Mettenberger’s time in Tennessee:
In two seasons he started ten games, and the Titans went a perfect 0-10 in those starts. Not entirely his fault of course.
Over the course of his 14 total games in Tennessee, Mettenberger completed 60 percent of his passes for 2,347 yards, 12 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. His career QB rating is 75.4.
So no, we’re not talking about a guy who has shown a lot in his time in the league. However, he remains a tall, big-armed quarterback.
With different coaching, could Mettenberger become at least an effective backup? That’s the question you have to ask yourself.
Right now the Vikings have veteran Shaun Hill as their backup with Taylor Heinicke at #3 and UDFA Joel Stave at #4.
Here’s the argument for signing Mettenberger: He’s a lot younger than Hill and has a better arm than Heinicke. Why go with either Hill or Heinicke as your #2 when you can have Mettenberger, a player with a little talent and perhaps some upside?
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If you’re simply looking to upgrade the #2 QB position, Mettenberger might make sense. If you’re looking for an insurance policy in case Teddy Bridgewater for some reason regresses? I’m not sure Mettenberger provides much in the way of security.
Before the 2014 draft, Mettenberger had an intriguing skill set but needed work. Two years into his career, it appears he still needs work.