NFL Notes: Zach Mettenberger, Chargers, Giants, & Jaguars

Zach Mettenberger

New Chargers QB Zach Mettenberger said earlier in the week that he’s happy to be in San Diego and looks forward to a new opportunity.

“It was tough to be in Tennessee behind a guy like Marcus [Mariota], where there isn’t a light at the end of the tunnel,” Mettenberger said, via Chargers.com. “Being here has put the wind back in my sails.”

Mettenberger said that he heard from his former HC Ken Whisenhunt, who is back as the Chargers’ offensive coordinator, shortly after he was claimed by San Diego.

“Coach Whiz called me right after,” Mettenberger said.  “He is the one who really broke the ice for me.  I was definitely relieved to come to a situation where the future looks good for me. That was a long 24 hours to be waiting, so it was great to hear his voice.  The first thing he asked was if I still remembered the playbook.  Fortunately, I know it really well.  He was really excited to get back to work with me.  He was the one who drafted me, so it’s worked out really well.  It’s awesome to be back with Coach Whiz and Coach (John) McNulty.”

Giants

• Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News writes that the Giants could at least begin thinking about life after QB Eli Manning at some point in the next few years.
• Vacchiano believes the Giants are likely to wait until the end of Manning’s current contract, which runs through 2019, before bringing in a replacement.
• According to Vacchiano, it would not be surprising to see Jasper Brinkley end up winning the starting middle linebacker job this summer.
• In regards to their draft class, Vacchiano can see Sterling Shepard starting as the team’s No. 2 receiver and Darian Thompson possibly winning a starting job at safety.
• Vacchiano wouldn’t count on the Giants re-signing veteran S Antrel Rolle.
• Sticking with veteran free agents, Vacchiano doesn’t rule out the Giants possibly bringing back OT Will Beatty, but adds that he doesn’t appear to be in their plans right now.

Jaguars

• Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union guesses that free agent acquisition Chris Ivory will end up receiving more carries on first and second down with T.J. Yeldon serving as the Jaguars’ primary third-round back.
• O’Halloran expects the Jaguars to bring in a second kicker at some point in the coming months, who will likely see some time during the preseason and offer some insurance to Jason Myers.