Every team needs a good, competent backup.
With the Tennessee Titans drafting Marcus Mariota, Zach Mettenberger is feeling like the odd man out. Despite reportedly requesting a trade, sources say that won’t happen.
ESPN analyst Chris Mortensen suggested Thursday morning on radio that Mettenberger’s agent might soon be pushing a trade for his client.
Titans general manager Ruston Webster quashed that possibility immediately, saying he and Whisenhunt already had been in touch with Mettenberger.
“We talked to Zach, and that’s not Zach in any way,” Webster said. “I think he’ll embrace the situation here and he won’t be traded.”
Whisenhunt spoke highly of Mettenberger last season, praising the sixth-round draft pick’s competitive spirit, his toughness and his ability to learn quickly. Whisenhunt doesn’t see Mettenberger pouting over the selection of a potential franchise quarterback.
“We just talked before I came in (to the news conference), so he’s up for the challenge,” Webster said. “I think one of the things that was important for Zach to understand is that he built up a lot of good equity with what he did. There’s a lot of potential there, and we’re excited about Zach.”