Ok, I know I just headlined the most played out phrase of this long offseason. Of course the Pittsburgh Steelers could have interest. They have some level of interest in almost everyone.
But the idea of Zach Mettenberger has some bite to it. Not just bark.
Prior to the 2014 draft, Chris Bradford of the Beaver County Times reported that one source said the Steelers had a high level of interest in Mettenberger. Obviously, he wasn’t drafted here, selected by the Tennessee Titans in the 6th round.
In two years with the Titans, Mettenberger ost all ten starts he’s made. His numbers were way down last season in four games of action, throwing seven interceptions to just four touchdowns. His yards per attempt was an abysmal 5.6.
But, the Titans offense was poor with few weapons while Mettenberger was in a system designed for the mobile Marcus Mariota, not the very-much-statue Mettenberger.
The Steelers will keep three, and only three, quarterbacks on this roster, but the free-for-all competition between Bruce Gradkowski, Landry Jones, and Mettenberger would draw the best out of everyone. Cutting any three of those players, whoever the #4 and de facto loser is, wouldn’t be an issue financially or effect any long-term plans. It’s a sink or swim season for Jones, no longer on scholarship over his draft pick.
The current #4 QB on the roster is Dustin Vaughan, a futures’ contract. At the least, having Mettenberger instead would make for a stronger group.
With his release, he’ll revert to waivers and eligible to be claimed by any team. That means taking on the rest of his rookie contract, a super cheap $600K base salary for the next two seasons. You’re paying pennies if he becomes the #2 QB. We should know by tomorrow or Wednesday if he’s been claimed.
