NFL rumors: 5 possible landing spots for Zach Mettenberger
2. Minnesota Vikings
When Teddy Bridgewater missed the Vikings’ second preseason game with a sore shoulder, Shaun Hill started and got an extended opportunity with the first-team offense. The 36-year old is a perfectly serviceable backup, but it’s easy to tie the Vikings to virtually any available quarterback. They had rumored interest in Nick Foles before he signed with the Kansas City Chiefs, so general manager Rick Spielman is surely monitoring the transaction wires closely right now.
The opportunity to work with the Vikings’ offensive staff, including Norv Turner and Pat Shurmur, would benefit any quarterback. The vertical passing attack Turner tends to favor fits Mettenberger’s skill set too, so he could have success if he’s forced into action.
Bridgewater’s smallish frame makes him a durability concern, particularly if the Vikings’ offensive line remains leaky this season. Even the remote prospect of Hill starting multiple games is a scary thought, and any positive buzz surrounding the team would diminish immediately. Mettenberger would be a theoretical upgrade, at least, and it wouldn’t be hard for him not to be better than Hill if he had to play.
On the note of a Bridgewater injury, he went down at Tuesday’s practice and early indications aren’t good.
Bad scene. Bridgewater down in pocket grabbing left knee. Players freaked out, swearing and praying. Immobilized. Practice halted #Vikings
— Brian Murphy (@murphmedia_) August 30, 2016
A significant loss of time for Bridgewater would only make this a more natural destination.
Next: 1. Dallas Cowboys