Former Tennessee Titans backup quarterback Zach Mettenberger barely rode the waivers for 24 hours before the San Diego Chargers swooped in and claimed him.
But the Chargers were not the only team interested in Mettenberger. According to a report by ESPN’s Field Yates, both the Cincinnati Bengals and New York Giants were in pursuit of the quarterback.
Source: two teams other than the Chargers attempted to claim QB Zach Mettenberger, the Giants and Bengals.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) May 18, 2016
Since the Chargers had waiver priority after finishing with four wins this past season, they were essentially the winner. The Giants were a bit further down on the pecking order (10th) while Cincinnati didn’t really stand much of a chance after posting 12 wins a season ago.
The former sixth-round pick comes cheap to San Diego at just over $600,000 annually. He’ll definitely provide depth behind Philip Rivers at quarterback.
In Mettenberger’s two seasons in Tennessee, he started a total of 10 games with the Titans losing each start. During this stretch, Mettenberger passed for a total of 2,347 yards, 12 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
As for the Giants, they have Ryan Nassib and undrafted B.J. Daniels sitting behind Eli Manning on the depth chart.
Regarding the Bengals’ attempt at landing Mettenberger, it is a bit curious considering they have a capable backup in A.J. McCarron. He started for the team in the playoffs last season with Andy Dalton injured.
San Diego obviously had the biggest need here. While the former LSU standout likely won’t become Rivers’ successor, he does give the team another capable arm on the depth chart.