The San Diego Chargers picked up a backup for quarterback Philip Rivers when they signed quarterback Zach Mettenberger on Tuesday afternoon.
Mettenberger was released by the Tennessee Titans, who have placed their future in the hands of second-year QB Marcus Mariota, on Monday.
The move makes clear sense, as Chargers’ offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt was the head coach for the Titans during Mettenberger’s time as starter, and drafted Mettenberger in the sixth round of the 2014 NFL Draft.
Mettenberger will likely compete for the first-string backup role, which is currently held by veteran QB Kellen Clemens.
The Chargers were predicted by some to draft the possible replacement for Rivers in the 2016 Draft, and were linked to such prospects as Paxton Lynch and Cardale Jones, but decided to stray away from the uncertain quarterback class.
Mettenberger, 24, completed 60.3 percent of his passes for 1412 yards, 12 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in 14 appearances – 10 being starts – in 2014 and 2015.
Backups to Rivers have had few opportunities, as the veteran QB has started every game since 2006, totaling 160 consecutive starts, the third-longest such streak in NFL history.
